Teacher imprisoned for raping a teenager is killed by another inmate while serving his sentence.

A former middle school teacher, Ernest Nichols, who was incarcerated for the repeated sexual assault of a teenage girl, was found dead in a North Carolina prison, reportedly at the hands of another inmate. The incident occurred at the Greene Correctional Institution in Maury early Sunday morning. Nichols had been serving a 15-year sentence since 2011 after being convicted of statutory rape, with a projected release scheduled for September 2027.

The circumstances surrounding Nichols’s death have prompted an investigation by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Following the discovery of his body at approximately 6:50 a.m., the prison was placed on temporary lockdown to facilitate the inquiry. Investigators subsequently issued a murder warrant for Wilbert Baldwin, a convicted murderer who had been incarcerated since 2010 for second-degree murder. Baldwin is being held without bond as he continues to serve his current sentence, according to a statement from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Details surrounding the nature of Nichols’s death remain sparse as the investigation is ongoing. The incident highlights the complex dynamics of prison life where instances of violence can occur, particularly among inmates with serious criminal backgrounds.

Nichols, whose teaching career spanned 14 years at Ranson Middle School in Charlotte, was suspended once allegations of his sexual offenses came to light. His victim, only 15 years old at the time and not affiliated with the school, accused him of using social media platforms to impersonate his own son to gain her trust before the assaults. Nichols was apprehended the following year and faced multiple charges related to sex offenses. Notably, his behavior during court proceedings was marked by erratic outbursts, which drew significant attention to his case.

Despite the severe nature of his crimes, Nichols claimed during one court appearance that he was “a living, breathing human being of this earth,” emphasizing his humanity even amidst the serious accusations against him. His tragic end in prison raises questions about inmate safety and the potential for violence within correctional facilities, especially involving those with serious and violent criminal histories.

The ongoing investigation may shed light on further details surrounding Nichols’s death and the broader implications for security within the incarceration system in North Carolina.