Federal investigation reveals deadly consequences for Georgia inmates

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A new federal investigation is revealing Georgia inmates are facing deadly consequences. The state has the fourth-largest prison population in the country with nearly 50,000 people.

Since 2020, there have been more than 1,700 prison deaths. Twenty-one have been reported this year and an estimated 70 percent of those deaths are due to homicide.

2 inmates killed at local prisons amid flare-up in violence

Two inmates were killed in local prisons during altercations, according to authorities.

The cause of death is listed as unknown or pending because the Georgia Department of Corrections rarely releases detailed information. According to the Justice Department’s findings, emergency medical teams report an average 30-minute delay reaching patients due to security and staffing issues.

The report cites cases where people were found hours after dying or were left to care for their own severe injuries. One man was found dead from dehydration. No one entered his cell for two days.

“It could be better if the system would do better, it could be better but it seems like the system don’t care about how inmates are dying and families deserve justice for their loved ones,” said Teresa Adams, an aunt.

The Justice Department’s investigation found violent incidents are often under-reported due to lack of staff supervision.