The death of 32-year-old Shacoby Kenny inside the Suffolk County House of Correction, also known as South Bay, has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise. Authorities identified Kenny as the inmate who was pronounced dead on Sunday night, sparking investigations by both the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Boston Police Department.
Kenny, who had been incarcerated at South Bay since February 2025, was reportedly displaying erratic behavior inside his housing unit on the evening of March 4. According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, Kenny began attacking officers, which led to a physical altercation. It is said that he ran through the unit, resisting the officers’ attempts to detain him, before ultimately being subdued.
What followed next has left both law enforcement and fellow inmates grappling for answers. Once Kenny was in custody, he reportedly became unresponsive. On-site medical personnel immediately began CPR, and Boston EMS transported him to a nearby hospital. Sadly, despite these efforts, Kenny was declared dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The official explanation provided by the Sheriff’s Office attributes Kenny’s death to his erratic behavior and the struggle with officers. However, eyewitnesses and other inmates have presented a different account. According to them, Kenny was allegedly struck multiple times by correctional officers before losing consciousness. These claims have not been substantiated, and investigations are still ongoing to verify the details of the incident.
Kenny was awaiting trial at the time of his death, facing a string of serious charges, including assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery on a person over 65, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Prior to his incarceration, Kenny had spent time at Bridgewater State Hospital, which specializes in treating mentally ill offenders. This context is important, as it raises questions about whether his mental health issues may have played a role in the incident.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed they are closely monitoring the case, and both internal and external investigations are underway. They are working to gather all available evidence to determine exactly what transpired inside the facility that led to Kenny’s tragic death.
The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the names of the officers involved in the incident, nor have they made any public statements regarding possible disciplinary actions. However, they have emphasized that a thorough review is in progress, and further information will be shared once the investigation is complete.
In the wake of this incident, many are left questioning the safety protocols and the treatment of inmates in the Suffolk County House of Correction. While Kenny’s death may have resulted from an unpredictable struggle with officers, the conflicting reports from inmates demand a deeper look into the use of force and the overall conditions inside the facility.
