Fulton County Jail's Fifth Death

author: FutureCar Staff    

A detainee was killed and at least two others injured in a mass stabbing at the Fulton County Jail, according to a spokesperson from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. The situation has been brought under control, and an investigation is currently ongoing.

The names of the detainee who was killed and the injured individuals have not been released at this time. This incident marks the fifth death of a Fulton County Jail inmate since the end of July.

The sheriff's office provided details about the previous deaths that occurred in the jail. On July 31, a 40-year-old detainee named Montay Stinson was found unresponsive in his cell. Despite no obvious signs of injury, Stinson was being held on a second-degree burglary charge with a $3,000 bond. On August 10, 34-year-old Christopher Smith was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead on August 11. Smith was being held on felony and misdemeanor charges without bond. On August 17, 66-year-old Alexander Hawkins was found unresponsive and died. Hawkins had been arrested for shoplifting and had a $5,000 bond. Lastly, on an unspecified date, 34-year-old Samuel Lawrence was found unresponsive during dinner rounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Lawrence was being held for second-degree arson with a $30,000 bond.

Each death is being investigated by the county medical examiner's office to determine the cause and manner of death. In total, there have been nine in-custody deaths in 2023.

In a separate news conference, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis addressed the conditions in the jail. She emphasized the need for a new jail facility that can accommodate the growing population and provide humane treatment to detainees, even those accused of crimes.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation into the Fulton County Jail due to dilapidated and unsanitary conditions, as well as violence against detainees. The investigation will examine the living conditions, access to healthcare, and violence against detainees, including potential discrimination against detainees with psychiatric disabilities.

The investigation was prompted by the death of LaShawn Thompson, who died in the jail's mental health unit last year under appalling conditions. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke highlighted the poor conditions, including insect infestations, malnutrition, and lack of basic care. She also mentioned the presence of large holes in walls, flooding in housing units, and a concerning level of violence in the jail.

Footage from inside the jail, captured by a local TV station, showed flooding, detainees sleeping in hallways, damaged doors, and crumbling walls. These conditions have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates.

In recent news, former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants were briefly held at the Fulton County Jail, with only one individual, Harrison Floyd, being detained there. Floyd surrendered on August 24 and was released on August 30.

FutureCar Staff