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Justin James Taylor

Age : 36

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 04/15/2026

Location : Columbia Place Mall area

City : Columbia

County : Richland

State : South Carolina

Agency : Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Medical emergency

Event : Died in police custody

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 04/15/2026, Richland County sheriff’s deputies responded to the Columbia Place Mall area after reports of a man who appeared intoxicated. Deputies said Justin James Taylor, 36, was sweating heavily and making erratic movements when they arrived. Police claimed Taylor admitted using illegal substances. Deputies took Taylor into custody and placed him in a patrol vehicle for transport. During the transport, Taylor became unresponsive. Deputies stopped and requested emergency medical assistance. Taylor was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Authorities said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the death. The official disposition remains pending investigation.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article315431950.html
https://www.wrdw.com/2026/04/16/death-investigation-underway-after-man-dies-officers-custody/
https://wach.com/news/local/death-of-person-in-custody-under-investigation