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Columbia Police confirms investigation of deaths at Allen Benedict Court

Two men were found dead in their apartments from what the coroner says was carbon monoxide poisoning.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia police confirm they are investigating the death of two people found dead at the Allen Benedict Court Apartments as well as code enforcement violations. 

The agency acknowledged the investigations Wednesday night in a email response to a question by WLTX. 

On January 17, two men--61-year-old Calvin Witherspoon Jr. and 30-year-old Derrick Caldwell Roper--were found dead in separate apartments at Allen Benedict. Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said Monday the two died from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

RELATED: Coroner: Allen Benedict Court residents died from carbon monoxide poisoning

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Less than a day after the men died, a total of 411 people living at the public housing complex were forced to move out after multiple gas leaks were discovered throughout the property.

RELATED: Incident report reveals possible source of CO in Allen Benedict Court deaths

RELATED: Allen Benedict Court work orders show history of maintenance issues at deceased resident's apartment

News19 obtained a letter that Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins wrote to Columbia Housing Authority CEO Gilbert Walker on January 18. Carbon monoxide, missing smoke alarms, charred closets, and infestations were among nearly two dozen problems highlighted in the letter. 

RELATED: Residents won't be allowed to move back to Columbia apartments after life-threatening violations found

News19 obtained a letter that Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins wrote to Columbia Housing Authority CEO Gilbert Walker on January 18.  Carbon monoxide, missing smoke alarms, charred closets, and infestations were among nearly two dozen problems highlighted in the letter.

Jenkins described the carbon monoxide levels as "severe and lethal."

RELATED: Conditions 'severe and lethal' at Allen Benedict Court apartments, fire department says

A class-action civil suit was filed last week against the apartment complex, alleges the housing authority was "negligent, careless, grossly negligent, reckless, willful, and wonton" in failing to maintain and address hazards there.

RELATED: 'Grossly negligent': 1st lawsuit filed over conditions at Allen Benedict Court Apartments

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