(BUTNER) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the death of a resident at Murdoch Developmental Center in Butner.  DHHS is working closely with Butner Public Safety on its investigation and will be identifying an external consumer advocate to be part of the department’s investigation.  

State laws governing care and treatment of individuals in our facilities prohibit the release of information that would violate patient confidentiality.  DHHS Secretary Al Delia has issued the following statement

“We are committed to the safety and protection of all of the individuals entrusted to our care by their families and loved ones.  Our staff takes this responsibility seriously and we will examine every aspect of this event to determine what happened and any steps we can take to prevent future such incidents.”

Murdoch Developmental Center is one of three regional centers operated by N.C. DHHS for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing comprehensive facility based supports and services for approximately 500 citizens from 25 counties in the state's central region.