Georgia Inmate Dies at Jail Under Federal Investigation
A Georgia inmate, Christopher Smith, was found unresponsive in a medical unit cell at the Fulton County Jail and later died at an area hospital, authorities said on Saturday. The jail is currently under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Smith, 34, was discovered by a detention officer on Thursday and was immediately resuscitated by medical personnel. He was then transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. An autopsy will be conducted by the county’s Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.
The Fulton County Jail has been under scrutiny following the death of Lashawn Thompson in September 2022. The recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the jail is deemed “structurally unsafe” and has a history of violence resulting in serious injuries and homicides. Additionally, officers have been accused of using excessive force and are facing prosecution.
Thompson, 35, died in a bedbug-infested cell in the jail’s psychiatric wing, drawing national attention. His family and attorneys have called for a criminal investigation into his death, claiming that he was neglected and not properly treated for his schizophrenia.
Last year, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat raised concerns about the jail’s extreme overcrowding and lack of funding. The facility was housing nearly 500 inmates on the floor, leading to what one city commissioner called a “humanitarian crisis.”
The county recently reached a settlement with Thompson’s family, and the family’s attorneys stated that they have also reached agreements with unidentified entities. The settlements were made in response to allegations that Thompson’s death was a result of negligence.
In response to Thompson’s death and the ongoing investigation, county commissioners approved an extra $5.3 million in jail funding for improvements, including inmate health tracking and enhanced security measures.
Five people have died in Fulton County custody so far this year, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. The investigation by the Department of Justice underscores the serious issues within the Fulton County Jail and the necessity for change to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.
Aliza Chasan and Caitlin O’Kane contributed reporting.
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