Fatal Overdose Sparks Jail Investigation

Iredell County authorities are investigating a fatal inmate overdose at the county detention center that occurred last month, resulting in multiple felony charges for several inmates.

According to Sheriff Darren Campbell, on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., detention officers observed two female inmates showing symptoms consistent with a drug overdose. Officers immediately provided medical assistance and requested Iredell County EMS. Both women were transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital. One was released back to the detention center after treatment, while the other remained in intensive care.

During the response, officers discovered one of the inmates in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, prompting a lockdown and a thorough search of the affected cell block. Investigators later found a second inmate with a controlled substance.

A subsequent investigation revealed that 29-year-old Shylyn Danyale Carpenter, who was processed into the detention center on January 19 along with her boyfriend, Tony Eugene Maynard, had concealed the substance in her body in a way that bypassed security scanners. Authorities determined Carpenter conspired with three other female inmates to distribute the substance inside the facility, which ultimately led to the overdose on January 20.

Tragically, one of the overdose victims, 22-year-old Allison Grace Rice of Mooresville, died on Thursday, January 29, after spending roughly a week in intensive care. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent review of the incident, which remains an active investigation.

Charges and Custody Details:

• Shylyn Danyale Carpenter, 29: Charged with 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. Carpenter is being held under a $15,000 secured bond.

• Tony Eugene Maynard: Charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility, possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance, and felony conspiracy. He is held under a $15,000 secured bond.

• Breanna Amber Garcia: Charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in a jail facility, possession with intent to sell/deliver, and felony conspiracy to sell a Schedule I controlled substance. She is being held without bond.

• Melissa Sue Inks: Charged with felony conspiracy to sell a Schedule I controlled substance and held on a $15,000 secured bond.

• Nichole Ashley Misso: Charged with felony conspiracy to sell a Schedule I controlled substance and held on a $25,000 secured bond.

  
  

All individuals have prior criminal histories, including previous drug offenses, larceny, and assault-related charges.

Authorities continue to investigate how the substances entered the detention center and whether additional charges may be warranted. Officials emphasize that all charges are allegations, and those involved are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.