Iredell County, North Carolina, February 5, 2026
A tragic incident at the Iredell County Detention Center has resulted in the death of 22-year-old Allison Grace Rice due to a drug overdose. Following the incident, law enforcement has filed felony charges against five individuals involved in the smuggling and distribution of controlled substances within the facility. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has requested an independent investigation to address security concerns and evaluate the circumstances surrounding this case.
Iredell County, North Carolina – An inmate at the Iredell County Detention Center has died following a drug overdose, prompting law enforcement to file felony charges against five individuals connected to the smuggling and distribution of controlled substances within the facility. The deceased inmate, Allison Grace Rice, a 22-year-old from Mooresville, passed away on January 29, 2026, after approximately one week in intensive care at Iredell Memorial Hospital.
The critical incident began on the evening of January 20, 2026, when detention officers observed two female inmates displaying symptoms consistent with a drug overdose around 8:00 p.m. Officers promptly provided medical assistance and called for emergency services. Both inmates were transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital for treatment. While one inmate was subsequently released and returned to the detention center after receiving care, Allison Grace Rice remained hospitalized in intensive care until her death nine days later.
Investigation Uncovers Contraband Operation
During the initial response to the overdose, officers discovered a small quantity of a controlled substance in the possession of one inmate. The affected cell block was immediately placed on lockdown, and a thorough search led to the discovery that another inmate also possessed a controlled substance.
A subsequent investigation, which included a review of surveillance footage and interviews with both inmates and personnel, revealed the intricate details of how the controlled substances entered the facility and were distributed. Authorities determined that Shylyn Danyale Carpenter, 29, had managed to conceal a controlled substance within her body when she was processed into the detention center on January 19, 2026. The method of concealment rendered the substance undetectable by standard security scanners.
Carpenter had been arrested by the Mooresville Police Department on drug-related charges, along with her boyfriend, Tony Eugene Maynard, 31. Investigators further established that Carpenter conspired with three other female inmates to distribute the illicit substance, a conspiracy that ultimately led to the overdoses of the two inmates.
Felony Charges Filed Against Five Individuals
As a result of the ongoing investigation into the death of Allison Grace Rice and the drug distribution within the jail, five individuals are now facing felony charges.
Shylyn Danyale Carpenter faces multiple charges, including one count of felony conspiracy to possess a controlled substance on jail premises and two counts of felony conspiracy to sell a Schedule I controlled substance. She is currently being held under a $15,000 secured bond.
Tony Eugene Maynard has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance, and felony conspiracy. His secured bond has been set at $15,000.
The names of the three other female inmates charged in connection with the drug distribution have not been released at this time. All five individuals are implicated in the events that led to the tragic overdose death of Allison Grace Rice.
Independent Investigation Requested
Given the serious nature of the incident, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has formally requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) to conduct an independent investigation. This step ensures a thorough and unbiased review of the events surrounding the inmate’s death and the alleged drug activities within the detention center.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have indicated that additional charges are possible as new information comes to light. The incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing the entry and distribution of contraband, particularly controlled substances, which pose significant risks to inmate safety and institutional security.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The death of Allison Grace Rice in custody has raised concerns within the community regarding inmate welfare and the effectiveness of security measures designed to prevent illicit activities within correctional facilities. Local officials continue to emphasize their commitment to maintaining a secure environment and investigating all incidents thoroughly to ensure accountability. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating fully with the independent investigation by the NCSBI.
This event underscores the severe consequences of drug smuggling and distribution, particularly within sensitive environments like detention centers, where access to medical care can be critical in overdose situations. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the full extent of responsibility for those involved in this tragic incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who died in the Iredell County jail incident?
Allison Grace Rice, a 22-year-old from Mooresville, died on January 29, 2026, after approximately one week in intensive care at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a drug overdose at the Iredell County Detention Center.
When did the overdose incident occur?
The incident began on January 20, 2026, when detention officers observed two female inmates experiencing symptoms consistent with a drug overdose.
How many people are facing charges in connection with the overdose death?
Five people are facing felony charges for their alleged involvement in smuggling and distributing controlled substances inside the Iredell County Detention Center.
Who are the key individuals charged?
Shylyn Danyale Carpenter, 29, is charged with felony conspiracy to possess a controlled substance on jail premises and two counts of felony conspiracy to sell a Schedule I controlled substance. Tony Eugene Maynard, 31, is charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance, and felony conspiracy. The names of three other female inmates charged have not been released.
How were drugs allegedly brought into the jail?
Authorities determined that Shylyn Danyale Carpenter concealed a controlled substance within her body when she was processed into the facility on January 19, 2026, in a manner undetectable by security scanners.
Is an independent investigation being conducted?
Yes, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has requested the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Key Features of the Iredell County Jail Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deceased Inmate | Allison Grace Rice, 22, of Mooresville |
| Date of Overdose Incident | January 20, 2026 |
| Date of Death | January 29, 2026 |
| Location | Iredell County Detention Center, North Carolina |
| Total Individuals Charged | 5 (felony charges) |
| Key Suspects Charged | Shylyn Danyale Carpenter, Tony Eugene Maynard |
| Drug Smuggling Method | Concealed within a suspect’s body, undetectable by scanners |
| Investigating Agency | Iredell County Sheriff’s Office (initial), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (independent) |
| Current Status | Investigation active, additional charges possible |
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