Case: Incumaa v. Stirling

9:12-cv-03493 | U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina

Filed Date: Dec. 12, 2012

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On December 12, 2012, a prisoner at the SCDC serving a life-sentence without the possibility of parole filed this pro se lawsuit against the director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC). The plaintiff claimed the SCDC was substantially burdening his practice of religion which violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). Additionally, the plaintiff sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 on the grounds that the SCDC violated his Fourteenth Amendment …

On December 12, 2012, a prisoner at the SCDC serving a life-sentence without the possibility of parole filed this pro se lawsuit against the director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC). The plaintiff claimed the SCDC was substantially burdening his practice of religion which violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA). Additionally, the plaintiff sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 on the grounds that the SCDC violated his Fourteenth Amendment procedural due process rights. The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief.

Specifically, the complaint alleged that the plaintiff had been in administrative segregation since 1995, after his involvement in a riot where several guards were taken hostage. Since being placed in administrative segregation, he had committed no infractions. The plaintiff practiced a religion called the Nation of Gods and Earths (NOGE), a derivation of the Nation of Islam, also known as the Five Percenters. The SCDC did not recognize NOGE as a legitimate religious denomination and classified NOGE as a Security Threat Group. The plaintiff claimed that the SCDC would not release the plaintiff into the general population unless he renounced his religion.

On October 9, 2013, the case was reassigned to Judge David C. Norton. After requesting supplemental memoranda on the case, Judge Norton granted summary judgment to the defendant in district court on March 11, 2014. The director of the SCDC was terminated on March 11, 2014, and the new director's name was substituted on the docket.

The plaintiff then appealed to the Fourth Circuit. On July 1, 2015, the Fourth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part. The court affirmed the dismissal of the RLUIPA claims because the plaintiff failed to show that his confinement in administrative segregation was because of his religious affiliation rather than because of his participation in the riot.

The appeals court reversed the district court’s decision as to the Fourteenth Amendment due process claims. The appeals court determined that the plaintiff had a protected liberty interest because of the hardships of indefinite solitary confinement. Though a prisoner’s placement in administrative segregation was reviewed every 30 days, the appeals court determined there was a triable dispute as to the adequacy of the procedure and remanded that issue.

After the case was remanded, the plaintiff retained private counsel. While it is likely that the case was resolved outside of court after counsel became involved, as of March 2017, no further motions have been filed in response to the remanded section of the case.

Summary Authors

Amanda Kenner (3/4/2017)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5219049/parties/incumaa-v-byars/


Judge(s)

Norton, David C. (South Carolina)

Thacker, Stephanie Dawn (West Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Franklin-Best, Elizabeth Anne (South Carolina)

Johnston, Erin Camille (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Lindemann, Andrew F. (South Carolina)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

9:12-cv-03493

Docket [PACER]

Incumaa v. Byars

Dec. 3, 2015

Dec. 3, 2015

Docket
1

9:12-cv-03493

Complaint

Dec. 12, 2012

Dec. 12, 2012

Complaint
25

9:12-cv-03493

Notice of Motion and Motion for Summary Judgment

Incumaa v. Byars

July 16, 2013

July 16, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
28

9:12-cv-03493

Response to Summary Judgment

Incumaa v. Byars

Aug. 5, 2013

Aug. 5, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
34

9:12-cv-03493

Reply to Plaintiff's Response to Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment

Incumaa v. Byars

Aug. 13, 2013

Aug. 13, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
44

9:12-cv-03493

Order

Jan. 28, 2014

Jan. 28, 2014

Order/Opinion
46

9:12-cv-03493

Supplemental Memorandum in Support of Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment

Feb. 27, 2014

Feb. 27, 2014

Pleading / Motion / Brief
47

9:12-cv-03493

Plaintiff's Reply to Defendant's Supplemental Memorandum and Affidavit of Robert E. Ward

March 10, 2014

March 10, 2014

Pleading / Motion / Brief
48

9:12-cv-03493

Order

March 11, 2014

March 11, 2014

Order/Opinion

2014 WL 958679

14-06411

Opinion

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

July 1, 2015

July 1, 2015

Order/Opinion

791 F.3d 517

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5219049/incumaa-v-byars/

Last updated Nov. 3, 2026, 12:53 a.m.

Docket for: Incumaa v. Byars
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 12, 2012

COMPLAINT against William R Byars, Jr, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa. (Attachments: # 1 Inmate Grievance Forms, # 2 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 12/13/2012)

RECAP
2 Dec. 12, 2012

MOTION for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis (Restricted Access) by Lumumba K Incumaa. Motions referred to Bristow Marchant.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 12/13/2012)

RECAP
4 Dec. 13, 2012

TRUE DIVISION FOR TRIAL: Charleston. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 12/13/2012)

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8 Jan. 9, 2013

ORDER authorizing service of process and collection of filing fee. Plaintiff has incurred a debt to the U.S.A. in the amount of $350. Plaintiff is also directed to notify the clerk in writing of any change of address. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 1/8/2013. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 01/09/2013)

RECAP
9 Jan. 9, 2013

REFERENCE 8 ORDER granting 2 Motion for Leave to Proceed in forma pauperis. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 1/8/2013.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 01/09/2013)

RECAP
10 Jan. 9, 2013

Summons Issued as to William R Byars, Jr. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 01/09/2013)

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11 Jan. 9, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 8 Order 1983, placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 01/09/2013)

RECAP
12 Feb. 13, 2013

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Lumumba K Incumaa. William R Byars, Jr served on 2/1/2013, answer due 2/22/2013. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 02/13/2013)

RECAP
13 Feb. 21, 2013

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint by William R Byars, Jr. Response to Motion due by 3/11/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Andrew F. Lindemann, # 2 Certificate of Service)Proposed order is being emailed to chambers with copy to opposing counsel.Motions referred to Bristow Marchant.(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 02/21/2013)

RECAP
14 Feb. 22, 2013

ORDER granting 13 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. William R Byars, Jr answer due 3/15/2013. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 2/22/2013.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 02/22/2013)

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15 Feb. 22, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 14 Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 02/22/2013)

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16 March 15, 2013

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by William R Byars, Jr. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 03/15/2013)

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18 April 23, 2013

MOTION for Extension of Time to Serve Responses to Plaintiff's Interrogatories and Requests for Production by William R Byars, Jr. Response to Motion due by 5/13/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)No proposed order.Motions referred to Bristow Marchant.(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 04/23/2013)

RECAP
19 April 24, 2013

TEXT ORDER granting 18 Motion for Extension of Time to Serve Responses to Plaintiff's Interogatories and Requests for Production. Responses due by May 23, 2013. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 04/24/2013.(elac, ) (Entered: 04/24/2013)

RECAP
20 April 24, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 19 Order on Motion for Extension of Time, placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba Incumaa. (elac, ) (Entered: 04/24/2013)

RECAP
21 May 20, 2013

DECLARATION by Lumumba K Incumaa. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Exhibit A-D, # 3 Envelope and Cover Letter)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/21/2013)

RECAP
22 May 20, 2013

Letter from Lumumba K. Incumaa. Document referenced in this letter was received on the same date. Docketed copy of the document has been mailed to the plaintiff. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 05/21/2013)

RECAP
23 June 26, 2013

ORDER that the parties shall have twenty (20) days from the entry date of this Order to file dispositive motions. In the event neither party files a dispositive motion, the file will be forwarded to a United States District Judge for trial. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 6/26/2013. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 06/26/2013)

RECAP
24 June 26, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 23 Order, placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 06/26/2013)

RECAP
25 July 16, 2013

MOTION for Summary Judgment by William R Byars, Jr. Response to Motion due by 8/2/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Memo in Support, # 2 Affidavit of Elbert Pearson, # 3 Affidavit of Sandra Bowie, # 4 Affidavit of Michael Stobbe, # 5 Certificate of Service)No proposed order.Motions referred to Bristow Marchant.(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 07/16/2013)

RECAP
26 July 18, 2013

ROSEBORO ORDER directing clerk to forward summary judgment explanation to the opposing party and directing that party to respond in 34 days. Response due to 25 MOTION for Summary Judgment by 8/22/2013. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 7/18/2013. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 07/18/2013)

RECAP
27 July 18, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 26 Roseboro Order, placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 07/18/2013)

RECAP
28 Aug. 5, 2013

RESPONSE in Opposition re 25 MOTION for Summary Judgment Response filed by Lumumba K Incumaa.Reply to Response to Motion due by 8/15/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Exhibit 1 - 3, # 3 Certificate of Service, # 4 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 08/05/2013)

RECAP
30 Aug. 15, 2013

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 28 Response in Opposition to Motion, by William R Byars, Jr. Response to Motion due by 9/3/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Andrew F. Lindemann, # 2 Certificate of Service)Proposed order is being emailed to chambers with copy to opposing counsel.Motions referred to Bristow Marchant.(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 08/15/2013)

RECAP
31 Aug. 19, 2013

ORDER granting 30 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply. The Defendant's deadline to file a Reply to the Plaintiffs Response to the Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment is extended to August 30, 2013. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 8/19/2013.(cwhi, ) (Entered: 08/19/2013)

RECAP
32 Aug. 19, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 31 Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply, placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 08/19/2013)

RECAP
33 Aug. 22, 2013

Letter from Lumumba K Incumaa. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 08/22/2013)

RECAP
34 Aug. 31, 2013

REPLY to Response to Motion re 25 MOTION for Summary Judgment Response filed by William R Byars, Jr. (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Affidavit of Elbert Pearson, # 2 Certificate of Service)(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 08/31/2013)

RECAP
36 Sept. 11, 2013

DECLARATION by Lumumba K Incumaa. (Attachments: # 1 Cover Letter and Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 09/11/2013)

RECAP
37 Sept. 24, 2013

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION of Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant. It is recommended that the Defendants motion for summary judgment be granted, and that this case be dismissed. Objections to R&R due by 10/11/2013. Signed by Magistrate Judge Bristow Marchant on 9/24/2013. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 09/24/2013)

RECAP
38 Sept. 24, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 37 REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION re 25 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by William R Byars, Jr placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 09/24/2013)

RECAP
39 Oct. 2, 2013

OBJECTION to 37 Report and Recommendation by Lumumba K Incumaa. Reply to Objections due by 10/21/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 10/02/2013)

RECAP
41 Oct. 9, 2013

Case Reassigned to Judge Honorable David C Norton. Judge Honorable Cameron McGowan Currie no longer assigned to the case. (suro, ) (Entered: 10/09/2013)

RECAP
42 Oct. 9, 2013

***DOCUMENT MAILED 41 Case Reassigned placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa (suro, ) (Entered: 10/09/2013)

RECAP
44 Jan. 28, 2014

ORDER requesting additional briefing re 25 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by William R Byars, Jr Signed by Honorable David C Norton on 1/28/2014. (cahe, ) (Entered: 01/28/2014)

RECAP
45 Jan. 31, 2014

***DOCUMENT MAILED 44 Order placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 01/31/2014)

RECAP
46 Feb. 27, 2014

SUPPLEMENT by William R Byars, Jr to 25 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Supplemental Memorandum requested by Court Order). (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Robert E. Ward, # 2 Certificate of Service)(Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 02/27/2014)

RECAP
47 March 10, 2014

REPLY by Lumumba K Incumaa to 46 Supplement. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope and Cover Letter)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 03/10/2014)

RECAP
48 March 11, 2014

ORDER granting 25 Motion for Summary Judgment; adopting Report and Recommendations re 37 Report and Recommendation. Signed by Honorable David C Norton on 3/11/2014.(cahe, ) (Main Document 48 replaced on 3/11/2014) (jbry, ). Modified on 3/11/2014 to replace with corrected document per chambers (jbry, ). (Entered: 03/11/2014)

RECAP
49 March 11, 2014

JUDGMENT The Report and Recommendation of Magistrate Judge Marchant is accepted. The Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment is granted. (jbry, ) (Entered: 03/11/2014)

RECAP
50 March 11, 2014

***DOCUMENT MAILED 48 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment, Order on Report and Recommendation,, 49 Judgment placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa (jbry, ) (Entered: 03/11/2014)

RECAP
51 March 18, 2014

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 48 Order on Motion for Summary Judgment, Order on Report and Recommendation,, by Lumumba K Incumaa. - The Docketing Statement form, Transcript Order form and CJA 24 form may be obtained from the Fourth Circuit website at www.ca4.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 Cover Letter and Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 03/18/2014)

RECAP
52 March 18, 2014

Transmittal Sheet for Notice of Appeal to USCA re 51 Notice of Appeal, The Clerk's Office hereby certifies the record and the docket sheet available through ECF to be the certified list in lieu of the record and/or the certified copy of the docket entries. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 03/18/2014)

RECAP
53 March 18, 2014

***DOCUMENT MAILED 52 Transmittal Sheet for Notice of Appeal to USCA, placed in U.S. Mail to Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 03/18/2014)

RECAP
54 March 18, 2014

ASSEMBLED INITIAL ELECTRONIC RECORD TRANSMITTED TO FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS re 51 Notice of Appeal, Electronic record successfully transmitted. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 03/18/2014)

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57 April 3, 2014

ORDER of USCA as to 51 Notice of Appeal, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa (jbry, ) (Entered: 04/03/2014)

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58 Oct. 20, 2014

ORDER of USCA re appoint of counsel as to 51 Notice of Appeal, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa. (cwhi, ) (Entered: 10/20/2014)

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59 July 1, 2015

USCA OPINION for 51 Notice of Appeal, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa. Decision of Appeals Court Affirming in part, reversing in part, and remanding for further proceedings Decision of District Court. (jbry, ) (Entered: 07/01/2015)

RECAP
60 July 7, 2015

ORDER of USCA as to 51 Notice of Appeal, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa. The Court amends its opinion filed July 1, 2015. The amended opinion, issued July 7, 2015, supersedes the opinion filed July 1, 2015. (jbry, ) (Entered: 07/07/2015)

RECAP
61 July 7, 2015

AMENDED USCA OPINION for 51 Notice of Appeal, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa. Decision of Appeals Court affirming in part, reversing in part, and remanding for further proceedings the Decision of District Court. (jbry, ) (Entered: 07/07/2015)

RECAP
62 July 23, 2015

USCA MANDATE and Judgment as to 51 Notice of Appeal, filed by Lumumba K Incumaa (Attachments: # 1 Judgment)(jbry, ) (Entered: 07/23/2015)

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63 Nov. 24, 2015

NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Anne Franklin-Best on behalf of Lumumba K Incumaa (Franklin-Best, Elizabeth) (Entered: 11/24/2015)

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64 Nov. 24, 2015

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Erin Camille Johnston ( Filing fee $ 250 receipt number 0420-6277875) by Lumumba K Incumaa. Response to Motion due by 12/11/2015. (Attachments: # 1 Supporting Documents Motion in Support of Pro Hac, Erin Johnston)Proposed order is being emailed to chambers with copy to opposing counsel.(Franklin-Best, Elizabeth) (Entered: 11/24/2015)

RECAP
65 Dec. 2, 2015

ORDER granting 64 Motion by Erin Camille Johnston to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Honorable David C Norton on 12/2/2015.(jbry, ) (Entered: 12/02/2015)

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66 Dec. 3, 2015

NOTICE of Change of Address by Lumumba K Incumaa. Address updated in ECF this date. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 12/03/2015)

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67 May 29, 2018

NOTICE of Hearing: Status Conference set for Wednesday, 6/13/2018 at 11:00 AM in Hon. Sol Blatt, Jr., Courtroom, J. Waties Waring Judicial Cntr, 83 Meeting St, Charleston before Honorable David C Norton. (jbry, ) (Entered: 05/29/2018)

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68 June 11, 2018

Letter from Lumumba K Incumaa. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope)(cwhi, ) (Entered: 06/11/2018)

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69 June 11, 2018

STIPULATION of Dismissal Without Prejudice by Bryan P Stirling. (Lindemann, Andrew) (Entered: 06/11/2018)

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71 June 12, 2018

NOTICE of Cancellation of Hearing: Status Conference set for Wednesday, 6/13/2018 at 11:00 AM (jbry, ) (Entered: 06/12/2018)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

South Carolina

Case Type(s):

Prison Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 12, 2012

Case Ongoing: No reason to think so

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Prisoner member of the Nation of Gods and Earth (NOGE).

Plaintiff Type(s):

State Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: Yes

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

South Carolina Department of Corrections

Defendant Type(s):

Corrections

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Religious Freedom Rest. Act/Religious Land Use and Inst. Persons Act (RFRA/RLUIPA)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

District of South Carolina 9:12-cv-03493

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit 14-06411

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

General/Misc.:

Religious programs / policies

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Jails, Prisons, Detention Centers, and Other Institutions:

Administrative segregation

Solitary confinement/Supermax (conditions or process)

Recommended Citation