Greensboro, NC – Guilford County officials are investigating two separate in-custody deaths at the Greensboro Detention Center after detainees were found unresponsive in their cells weeks apart.
According to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), the first incident occurred Wednesday, December 24, when detention staff discovered Jimmy Wilkerson, 65, in medical distress inside his assigned cell. Wilkerson was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Authorities said Wilkerson remained hospitalized, where he later suffered a medical episode and died on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The sheriff’s office confirmed that Wilkerson’s next of kin was present at the hospital at the time of his death.
Wilkerson had been arrested Tuesday, December 23, at 10:02 p.m., and processed into the Greensboro Detention Center on a charge of driving while impaired. He was being held under a $7,500 secured bond, pending his initial court appearance.
A second death was reported early Tuesday, January 6, when detention staff found Nathaniel Rice, 47, unresponsive in his assigned cell. Emergency Medical Services responded, but Rice was pronounced deceased at the detention center.
Rice had been arrested Wednesday, August 27, at 8:30 p.m., and was facing multiple charges, including first-degree arson, resisting or obstructing an officer, four counts of malicious conduct by a prisoner, and assault on a government official. He was being held under a $50,000 secured bond, pending future court proceedings.
As protocol, the GCSO Major Crimes Unit, along with the local Medical Examiner, is investigating both deaths. Officials have not released causes of death, and no further details were immediately available.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Guilford County authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
