Massachusetts Inmate Marquis Wagner Dies in a Hospital
In news out of Massachusetts dated December 8, 2025, an inmate died after an incident in the Suffolk County House of Correction (HOC), also known as the South Bay Jail, on December 7, 2025.
According to information released by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, the individual—identified as Shacoby Kenny—began behaving erratically within his housing unit in the South Bay Jail at approximately 8:40 p.m. on December 7. Officials report that Mr. Kenny allegedly assaulted staff members before attempting to evade custody by running around in the unit.
Sheriff’s officials state that Mr. Kenny was eventually restrained. Shortly after being taken into custody, however, he became unresponsive. Correctional officers and on-site medical personnel initiated CPR and other life-saving interventions while awaiting the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Once EMS arrived, they transported Mr. Kenny to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Shacoby Kenny was pronounced deceased the next morning, December 8.
Mr. Kenny had been incarcerated at the facility since February 13, 2025, aside from a period between July 2 and July 22, during which he was housed at Bridgewater State Hospital.
The sheriff’s office has confirmed that both law enforcement officers and internal investigators are reviewing the circumstances leading up to Mr. Kenny’s death. As with all in-custody fatalities, questions regarding use of force, medical response protocols, and supervision practices are expected to be central to the inquiry.
This case adds to ongoing concerns nationwide regarding how correctional facilities respond to behavioral crises, mental health episodes, and medical emergencies, particularly when detainees show signs of distress or instability.
Suffolk County House of Correction, also known as South Bay Jail, is located at 20 Bradston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02118. HOC has a 1,892-bed capacity, which includes part of the larger system that encompasses Suffolk County Jail, where 682 pretrial males are held.
Allegations of Failure to Provide Medical Care After an Inmate was Restrained at Jackson County Detention Center
Marquis Wagner, 21, died in the custody of the Jackson County Detention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 10, 2021, after being restrained in a restraint chair.
Public records describe a series of events that raise serious concerns about the handling of detainees experiencing mental health crises and medical distress inside the facility.
According to those records, Mr. Wagner—who had documented mental-health concerns—was arrested on December 9, 2021, after reporting that he believed someone was attempting to break into his apartment. Investigators later found no evidence of an intruder, and Mr. Wagner reportedly informed officers that he had not slept for several days, was hallucinating, and was detoxing from alcohol.
After being booked shortly before midday, video surveillance allegedly showed Mr. Wagner moving erratically, talking to unseen individuals, and exhibiting what appeared to be clear signs of a mental or medical emergency. Despite these observations, records indicate that he was not transported to an outside treatment facility nor given a medical or mental-health evaluation inside the jail.
Instead, he was placed alone in an intake cell for approximately eight hours, during which time he was not provided with food or water. By that evening, Mr. Wagner’s agitation had escalated. A jail disturbance response team entered his cell, forced him to the floor, handcuffed him, and placed him in a “suicide smock.” He was then secured in a restraint chair with his hands cuffed behind him and his legs and torso strapped down.
While restrained, records state that Mr. Wagner repeatedly said he could not breathe and appeared to show signs of medical distress. He was taken to the jail’s medical station around 8:40 p.m., where he reportedly continued to express difficulty breathing. Documentation indicates that no vital signs were taken and no medical examination occurred before he was moved to another cell and left unattended.
Approximately 30 minutes later, surveillance footage allegedly showed Mr. Wagner unconscious with no staff present to monitor him. He was then moved again and placed face down on a cot with his hands behind his back. Staff ultimately realized he was not breathing. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased shortly before midnight at Truman Medical Center.
The county sheriff has stated that the safety and well-being of detainees remain a priority. Jackson County officials approved a $1.2 million payment without public discussion.
Mr. Wagner’s death is one of several in recent years that have drawn attention to conditions at the downtown detention facility. A new jail complex is currently under construction, with officials projecting completion in approximately two years.
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