At approximately 12:33 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, during routine supervision rounds in the Union County Detention Center, Detention Officers discovered inmate Byron J. Leach unresponsive in his cell during an apparent suicide attempt.

Detention Officers and on-site Medical Staff immediately began lifesaving efforts. Union County EMS personnel arrived promptly to assist, and through the coordinated efforts of both medical staff and EMS, a pulse was successfully restored prior to transporting Leach to a local hospital for further treatment. Despite these efforts, Leach succumbed to injuries sustained during the suicide attempt earlier this morning.

Leach had been arrested the previous day (10/08/2025), at a residence in Charlotte by members of a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving warrants obtained during an ongoing child sexual assault investigation by the Marshville Police Department. During his apprehension, Leach jumped from a balcony in an attempt to evade capture, sustaining an arm injury that required hospitalization. After being released from the hospital, he was processed into the Union County Detention Center on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at approximately 6:54 p.m., on charges related to the sexual assault of a child. Due to his injury, he was housed alone at the time of the incident.

This incident is being investigated as an in-custody death. Sheriff Eddie Cathey has requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) lead the investigation to ensure an independent and thorough review.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the family of Mr. Leach. Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.