No Foul Play Suspected in Death of Franklin County Inmate

Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation say no foul play is suspected in the death of an inmate at the Franklin County Detention Center who died over the weekend. 

Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas said Gerome Smith, age unknown, was being held on a probation violation when he became ill on 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.” 

Smith’s body was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for Autopsy and the investigation was turned over to the GBI Athens office. 

Jesse Maddox, Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the GBI Athens office, said Wednesday he has not yet seen the results of the autopsy conducted by the GBI Crime Lab. However, he said it does not appear Smith was the victim of foul play. 

“At this time, there’s absolutely no indication that there was foul play involved,” he said. “I know sometimes people draw conclusions that there was a fight or he took his own life, but I can tell you with 100% certainty that neither was the case at all.” 

Maddox said Smith was known to have some health issues, but he did not elaborate. 

Maddox said a preliminary autopsy report has also been sent to the Franklin County Coroner, but he said the full report, including toxicology results will not be available for some weeks.