Fulton County settles for $4M in case of inmate devoured by bed bugs.
Fulton County, Georgia, Reaches $4 Million Settlement in Case of Homeless Man’s Death in County Jail
Fulton County, Georgia, has reached a groundbreaking $4 million settlement in the tragic case involving the death of a 35-year-old homeless man in the county jail‘s mental health wing last year. This significant development comes after county commissioners unanimously approved the settlement in a 6-0 vote on Wednesday.
Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman emphasized the importance of establishing comprehensive policies and procedures to prevent further deaths in the future.
A Heartbreaking Story
The victim, Lashawn Thompson, was arrested on a charge of simple battery after spitting on an officer. He was found sleeping in a park near a childcare center in Atlanta at the time of his arrest. Thompson had a history of mental illness, which makes this tragedy even more devastating.
Three months after his arrest, Thompson was discovered dead in his cell. Shockingly, he was covered in sores and bites from bed bugs and lice, to the point where his family couldn’t even recognize him. Disturbing photos from inside the jail cell revealed the appalling conditions Thompson was subjected to, with dirt and grime covering the floors, walls, and toilet.
Commissioner Abdur-Rahman revealed that the healthcare provider at the county jail, NaphCare, likely reached a similar settlement with Thompson’s family.
“No amount of money can bring back the life of a loved one,” Abdur-Rahman expressed, highlighting the profound loss experienced by Thompson’s family.
Atlanta attorney Michael Harper, representing the Thompson family, stated that they would not be releasing a statement on the settlement at this time.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Accountability and Reform
In the wake of Thompson’s tragic death, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat took decisive action by requesting and accepting the resignations of three top deputies: Chief Jailer John Jackson, Assistant Chief Jailer Derrick Singleton, and Lt. Col. Adam Lee, assistant chief jailer for the Criminal Investigative Division.
The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the jail, as Thompson’s death is just one of many recorded at the facility in recent years. This scrutiny underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform within the county jail system.
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