Autopsy underway for Augusta YDC beating victim; GBI moves to homicide investigation

By: Lynnsey Gardner Email

Updated: Mon 1:52 PM, Nov 14, 2011

Jade Holder, 19, died after being attacked in the Augusta Youth Development Campus. (WRDW-TV / Nov. 9, 2011)

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- An autopsy is underway at the crime lab to determine inmate Jade Holder's cause of death. Sources say the likely cause will be blunt force trauma to the head.

Holder, 19, was declared brain dead by two physicians Tuesday at approximately 3:20 p.m. Holder's family later decided to take him off life support.

The GBI is now investigating the deadly beating at the Augusta Youth Development Campus. They say the incident happened around 9 p.m. Monday.

The GBI says they've already questioned 15 to 20 inmates inside of building 43 where Holder was housed. They tell News 12 they're also questioning staff and have not ruled out any possibilities at this point.

The Department of Juvenile Justice told News 12 they will hold whoever is responsible for Holder's death accountable criminally.

The GBI told News 12 this is the first homicide they can remember at the YDC in 15 years. News 12 has submitted information requests to get more specifics on this incident and past incidents.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal released this statement Wednesday:
"The state will fully investigate this alleged crime and report back on the facts, but initial reports are disturbing. A new commissioner will take over Department of Juvenile Justice next week, and I will work with her to take swift and urgent action in this case. Beyond the ongoing investigation, we need to take corrective action to prevent similar travesties from occurring in the future. My heart goes out to the victim and his family."

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