Ernest Nichols, a former school teacher convicted in 2011 for serious crimes involving a minor, was found dead in his prison cell at Greene Correctional Institution in Maury, North Carolina, on October 5.

He was serving a 15-year sentence and was expected to be released in 2027.

Nichols, 60, had previously worked as a physical education teacher at Ranson Middle School in Charlotte.

He was suspended without pay and barred from school grounds in 2009 following serious allegations. His arrest included multiple charges, and he was ultimately convicted of statutory rape.

According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Nichols was discovered unresponsive around 6:50 a.m. Staff attempted emergency life-saving procedures, and emergency responders arrived shortly afterward. He was pronounced dead at 7:22 a.m.

Following Nichols’ death, the prison was placed on lockdown. On October 7, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that another inmate, 41-year-old Wilbert Baldwin, had been served with a murder warrant in connection with Nichols’ death.

Baldwin, already serving time for a 2010 second-degree murder conviction, was returned to custody without bond. The investigation into Nichols’ death remains ongoing and is being led by the State Bureau of Investigation in coordination with Greene County authorities.

Prior to his conviction, reports indicated Nichols had inappropriate interactions with a teenage girl who was not a student at his school. He had been with the Charlotte school district for 14 years before his suspension and subsequent legal proceedings.

Support resources are available for anyone affected by issues related to sexual abuse. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers 24/7 confidential support at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or online at online.rainn.org.