Press Releases
Tabor Correctional Institution offender Robert B. Walker (#1512464) has died after an apparent suicide.
He was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:06 p.m. yesterday, Jan. 26, 2021. The prison’s first responders arrived to his cell promptly, carefully assessed the situation and summoned local paramedics, who pronounced Walker deceased at 6:44 p.m.
A Maury Correctional offender with pre-existing medical conditions, who tested positive for COVID-19, has died at a hospital.
The offender tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 15 and was hospitalized on Jan. 24. His condition worsened, and he died on Jan. 26, 2022. He had declined to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Governor Cooper cautioned people to stay home today and stay safe, as most roads remain snow and ice covered, and thousands of homes and businesses in some coastal counties are without power.
“If you’re in the affected areas, the best way to stay safe is to stay home unless you absolutely have to travel,” Governor Cooper said.
State and local crews are out in force clearing roads today, but temperatures below or near freezing will not offer much help. Refreezing tonight will cause icy roads again tomorrow morning.
Governor Roy Cooper and state officials are advising residents to not let their guard down, as the worst part of this winter storm is still to come later today and tomorrow.
“Roads will become more dangerous and power outages are still expected tonight in southeastern counties,” said Governor Cooper. “If you can, stay put and off the roads as that’s the best way to stay safe.”
Even though most of the state had a break in precipitation Friday morning, snow, sleet and freezing rain are forecast to resume later Friday and continue through Friday night.
Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. has named Laura Howard as DPS general counsel. Howard will begin her new position on Jan. 24. As general counsel, she will lead the DPS legal team.
“Laura’s experience with the U.S. Department of Justice and in civil ligation will be a great benefit to our department,” said Buffaloe. “I look forward to the energy and vision she will bring to DPS senior leadership.”
The N.C. Division of Prisons has completed the administration of COVID-19 booster shots to all offenders who consented to the inoculation and were eligible as of Friday, Jan. 13, 2022.
“We have worked hard to get shots in arms, and greatly accelerated this initiative over the past few weeks,” said Commissioner of Prisons Todd Ishee. “This is an ongoing effort to do all that we can to keep people healthy and safe, and we are committed to providing booster shots to willing offenders when they become eligible.”
Bertie Correctional Institution offender Jeffrey A. Jacobs (#0684801) has died after an apparent suicide.
He was found unresponsive in his cell around 6:18 a.m. today. The prison’s first responders performed lifesaving measures until local paramedics arrived who also worked to resuscitate the offender and pronounced Jacobs deceased at 6:48 a.m.
As a powerful winter storm moves through the state today, Governor Roy Cooper and state officials urged people to stay home and stay safe, and to exercise caution if your power goes out.
Governor Cooper and state officials are urging North Carolina residents to complete their preparations today for the incoming winter storm, which will cause substantial impacts across the state beginning in the mountains tonight.
The N.C. Division of Prisons is ensuring that all offenders who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot – and who have consented to be vaccinated – are inoculated as soon as possible over the next several days.