Coroner Rules Inmate Hanging Suicide

The death of a Dorchester County Detention Center inmate has been ruled a suicide by Dorchester County Coroner Chris Nisbet.

Nisbet said Monday the apparent self-hanging on Thanksgiving by Scott Kuykendall was "suicide by asphyxiation." It was first reported that the 35-year-old Goose Creek man hanged himself in his cell, but details released by Dorchester County Sheriff's Office say Kuykendall was found in a shower stall.

Another inmate is said to have taken the body down, according to the report. The report states a letter by Kuykendall was found but does not disclose the contents of that letter.

Kuykendall was awaiting trial on the charge of criminal sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 11, first degree. Kuykendall was not offered bond for the charge and the trial had not been scheduled yet. He was originally arrested May 16, according to the Solicitor's Office.

In 1996, Kuykendall pleaded guilty to two charges of sex/lewd act, committing or attempting, lewd act upon child under 16. He has more recent charges with the county for fraud and larceny.