A Georgia man has allegedly died after being eaten alive by insects and bed bugs at a prison in Atlanta, his family’s attorney has claimed.
LaShawn Thompson, 35, was arrested for simple battery in Atlanta on June 12 last year and had not yet been convicted, according to police.
He was placed in the psychiatric wing of Fulton County Jail after officials determined he had mental issues.
Three months later he was discovered dead in a filthy cell on September 13, according to a statement by Michael D. Harper, his family’s attorney.
Mr Harper told Dailymail.com: ‘We are asking for a criminal investigation into the death of Mr Thompson. We are also asking for the jail to be shut down.
‘These cells are horrible and not fit for an animal. Mr Thompson had not even been convicted – he was being held until his trial day.’
Three months later he was discovered dead in a filthy cell on September 13, according to a statement by Michael D. Harper, his family’s attorney.
Mr Harper told Dailymail.com: ‘We are asking for a criminal investigation into the death of Mr Thompson. We are also asking for the jail to be shut down.
‘These cells are horrible and not fit for an animal. Mr Thompson had not even been convicted – he was being held until his trial day.’
Earlier this year, a mentally ill man froze to death in police custody in Alabama after being restrained in the jail’s freezer, a lawsuit claimed.
Mr Thompson had a history of misdemeanor incidents in the state and officials determined he had psychiatric issues.
Mr Harper and Mr Thompson’s family are set to hold a press conference at 2pm Thursday at Fulton County Superior Court, Atlanta.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said: ‘First and foremost, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend condolences to the family Lashawn Thompson.
‘A full investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding Mr Thompson’s death. The ongoing investigation is examining details regarding the medical care provided and ultimately will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted in this case.
‘The health, well-being and security of inmates in our care is our top priority. It’s no secret that the dilapidated and rapidly eroding conditions of the current facility make it incredibly difficult to meet the goal of providing a clean, well-maintained and healthy environment for all inmates and staff. That is precisely why Sheriff Labat continues to call building a new Fulton County Jail and Criminal Justice Complex which will provide an elite level of care, mental health services, security and cleanliness.’
It added that it has approved an additional expenditure of $500,000 to address the infestation of bed bugs, lice and other vermin within the Fulton County Jail.