Former Charlotte Teacher Found Dead in North Carolina Prison; Inmate Charged with Murder

MAURY, N.C. — Ernest Nichols, a former Charlotte school teacher convicted in 2011 for crimes involving a minor, was found dead in his cell at Greene Correctional Institution on October 5, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Nichols, 60, had been serving a 15-year sentence and was scheduled for release in 2027. He was discovered unresponsive around 6:50 a.m. Prison staff initiated emergency life-saving measures, and paramedics arrived shortly after, but Nichols was pronounced dead at 7:22 a.m.

Following his death, the facility was placed on temporary lockdown as investigators arrived on-site.

Two days later, on October 7, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) confirmed that another inmate, 41-year-old Wilbert Baldwin, had been charged with Nichols’ murder. Baldwin, who was already serving time for a 2010 second-degree murder conviction, was taken into custody without bond pending further investigation.

Nichols had worked as a physical education teacher at Ranson Middle School in Charlotte before his arrest in 2009. He was suspended without pay that year after allegations of misconduct surfaced and was later convicted of statutory rape in 2011.

He had been employed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district for 14 years prior to his suspension and legal proceedings.

The State Bureau of Investigation, in coordination with Greene County authorities, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Authorities have reminded the public that support resources are available for anyone affected by sexual abuse or trauma. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers 24/7 confidential help at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at online.rainn.org.