In 2023, the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, reported the deaths of ten inmates. These deaths occurred in the context of significant overcrowding at the facility and followed LaSawn Thompson’s death on September 13, 2022. This brings the total to at least 16 inmate fatalities in recent months, with four of these deaths occurring after the U.S. Department of Justice began investigating the jail on July 13, 2023 (11Alive News). Additionally, a mass stabbing at the jail this year resulted in one inmate’s death and injuries to four others.

The jail’s challenges have been compounded by delays in the court system, still recovering from COVID-19 shutdowns (KNAU). These issues have led to increased difficulties in managing the jail population. In response, the Georgia State Senate has started an investigation into the Fulton County Jail, aiming to explore the causes behind the high number of inmate deaths and the overall conditions within the jail.

Media Bias/Fact Check Ratings:

• MBFC Rating for 11Alive.com (Least Biased)
• MBFC Rating for KNAU – NPR – Flagstaff (Left-Center)