SBI investigating death of inmate at Onslow County Detention Center

ONSLOW COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of a 55-year-old inmate at the Onslow County Detention Center over the weekend.

According to the SBI, a detention officer found Christopher James Brookins, 55, of Kinston, unresponsive in his cell around 4 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.

Authorities said Brookins appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency.

The detention officer immediately notified on-duty medical staff with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, who responded and began lifesaving measures.

Onslow County Emergency Services also responded, but Brookins was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SBI said Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas requested the agency investigate the death and notified District Attorney Ernie Lee.

Brookins had been arrested by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 19 on charges of felony sex offender unlawfully on child premises, felony probation violation and misdemeanor parole violation.

Authorities said Brookins was being held on an $85,000 secured bond.

The cause of death has not been determined and is pending an autopsy.

The SBI is handling the investigation. No additional details about the circumstances surrounding Brookins’ death have been released.