The Durham County Department of Public Health has launched an investigation into the death of an inmate earlier this month.

A release says the investigation comes after the department was notified of the death of 29-year-old Matthew McCain on January 19.

Inside-Out Alliance – a group “trying to support the struggles of those inside (or formerly inside) Durham County jail, and their families and friends,” according to its website – claims that the death of McCain resulted from medical neglect from detention officers.

Officials with the Durham County Sheriff’s Office say McCain was found unresponsive in a cell and a member of the detention staff and a nurse performed CPR until EMS arrived. The first responders were not able to revive McCain, according to officials, and he was pronounced dead at the detention facility.

The State Bureau of Investigations was notified of the death the same day, according to authorities.

Durham County Sheriff Mike Andrews said in a statement:

“We are investigating as we have done so in previous cases. We want to provide Mr. McCain’s family with answers as soon as possible. However, thorough and complete investigations require time to produce credible answers. Our thoughts and prayer go out to Mr. McCain’s family.”

Health officials say McCain’s medical chart review will “specifically assess and evaluate clinical care practices, compliance of these practices with current policies and procedures and any emergency nursing/medical responses and actions taken.”

The medical chart will be reviewed independently by Durham County Department of Public Health officials to determine if the nursing practice and care rendered for McCain is in compliance with state guidelines, according to the release.

An autopsy is being conducted by the State’s Medical Examiner’s Office.

McCain was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday facing two counts of communicating threats along with single counts of assault on a female, injury to personal property, battery of an unborn child, assault with a deadly weapon and probation violation, all misdemeanors.

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