GBI Investigating Death of Inmate at Fr. Co. Detention Center

Few details are being released regarding the death of an inmate at the Franklin County Detention Center. 

It happened over the weekend, according to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, who said a call came in Sunday. 

“Sunday morning, Franklin County 911 received a call from the Franklin County Detention Center, Thomas said Tuesday. “They requested EMS for an inmate who was having trouble breathing.  EMS responded and transported the inmate to Ty Cobb Regional Medical Center where he passed away.”

The name of the inmate and the charges he was being held on have not been released.  Thomas would not say if he believes foul play was involved in the inmate’s death. 

Thomas turned the matter over to agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Athens Office. The inmate’s body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy. 

WLHR News has contacted GBI Agent in Charge Mike Ayers in the Athens Office, but so far, he has not responded to our request for an interview on this case. 

We hope to have more details on this story as they become available.