Durham County Jail Detainee, 43, Dies After Being Found in Distress; SBI Investigating
DURHAM, NC — A 43-year-old man died Thursday night, November 12, 2026, while in custody at the Durham County Detention Facility, prompting an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and an internal review by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
The deceased has been identified as Simon Duane Lamont, whose name was released Friday, November 13, after authorities notified his next of kin.
Detention Officers Found Detainee in Distress
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, detention officers discovered Lamont in distress at approximately 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
Officers immediately provided medical assistance and contacted emergency medical services. Despite those efforts, Lamont died at the detention facility.
Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances that led to his medical distress or announced a cause of death.
State Investigation and Internal Review Underway
The Durham County Sheriff’s Office notified the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation late Thursday evening.
The SBI will conduct an independent investigation into the death, following established protocol for deaths occurring in custody.
The Durham County Sheriff’s Office will also conduct an internal review of the incident.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about Lamont’s detention, how long he had been in custody, or whether any underlying medical conditions were involved.
The sheriff’s office said the incident remains under investigation and that no further information would be released at this time.
Spectacular Magazine will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates as additional verified information becomes available.
About the Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO)
One of the largest Sheriff’s Offices in North Carolina, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated Durham County. Close to 500 employees work in a variety of positions representing our office, including deputies, detention officers, and civilians. In addition to patrol and criminal investigations, DCSO operates the Durham County Detention Facility, provides courthouse security at the Durham County Courthouse, protects the animals of our County, and serves criminal warrants and numerous civil documents as mandated by State law. Our jurisdiction covers rural Durham County, sections of Research Triangle Park, urban areas within the City of Durham, as well as Interstates 85 and 40 connecting “the Triangle.”