Authorities have identified 32-year-old Shacoby Kenny of Boston as the man who died Sunday night while in custody at the Suffolk County House of Correction, widely known as the South Bay facility. His death has triggered parallel investigations by both the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Boston Police Department.
According to officials, correctional staff reported that Kenny began acting erratically inside his housing unit on March 4, allegedly attacking multiple officers before attempting to run through the unit to avoid being restrained. Officers eventually detained him.
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Once in custody, Kenny suddenly became unresponsive, the Sheriff’s Office said. Medical personnel stationed at the jail initiated emergency treatment, and Boston EMS transported him to a nearby hospital. Kenny was later pronounced dead.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
While the Sheriff’s Office attributes the incident to Kenny’s erratic behavior and a physical struggle with officers, several inmates have offered a different account. Some claim Kenny was repeatedly struck by correctional staff before collapsing, though these allegations have not been verified. Investigators say these statements are being reviewed as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Kenny had been held at the jail since February 2025 on several pending charges, including assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery on a person over 65, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Records also indicate he previously spent time at Bridgewater State Hospital in July for mental health-related evaluation or treatment.
Investigation Ongoing
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed it is monitoring the case, and both internal and external reviews are underway to determine what led to Kenny’s death inside the correctional facility. No staff members have been publicly identified or placed under scrutiny at this time.
Officials say additional details will be released once the investigation is complete.