Man ‘eaten alive by bugs and mattress bugs’ in Atlanta jail cell: Household
A person died at an Atlanta jail after being eaten alive by bugs and mattress bugs, his household’s lawyer informed USA TODAY on Thursday.
LaShawn Thompson, 35, was arrested for misdemeanor easy battery in Atlanta final summer time, officers stated, and brought to the Fulton County Jail the place he was positioned within the psychiatric wing after officers decided he was mentally sick.
In accordance with a Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report obtained by USA TODAY, Thompson was discovered unresponsive in his jail cell Sept. 19, and pronounced useless after failed life-saving makes an attempt by responding native police and medical personnel.
“The officer acknowledged that it’s unknown the final time the decedent was seen because the case continues to be investigated,” the Oct. 26 report continues.
There have been no apparent indicators of trauma discovered on Thompson’s physique, the coroner wrote, however his complete physique was coated in mattress bugs. The report additionally goes onto observe a “extreme mattress bug infestation” within the inmate’s cell within the psychiatric ward.
Thompson’s reason for loss of life, the report reveals, was listed as undetermined.
“Mr. Thompson was discovered useless in a dirty jail cell after being eaten alive by bugs and mattress bugs,” his household’s Atlanta-based lawyer, Michael D. Harper stated Thursday. “We’re asking for a prison investigation into the matter and (main) adjustments on the jail.”
A lawsuit within the case is pending, Harper stated.
‘Bugs, lice and different vermin’
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Workplace launched an announcement to USA TODAY on Thursday extending its condolences to Thompson’s household.
In accordance with the assertion, a full investigation was launched into the circumstances surrounding his loss of life. As part of the continued investigation, motion taken included:
- Approving a further expenditure of $500,000 to deal with the infestation of mattress bugs, lice and different vermin throughout the jail which was achieved along with prior cleansing operations focusing on communicable illnesses which might be frequent in congregant settings;
- Updating protocols for safety rounds to incorporate addressing sanitary situations.
How do you get mattress bugs?:This is what they’re and how one can eliminate them.
‘Not match for a diseased animal’
Jail information obtained by public information requests set up the detention workplaces and medical employees on the jail seen Thompson’s well being was deteriorating, however did nothing to manage support to him or to assist him, Harper informed USA TODAY.
“They actually watched his well being decline till he died,” Harper stated. “When his physique was discovered one of many detention officers refused to manage CPR as a result of in her phrases she ‘freaked out.’ The jail cell Mr. Thompson was housed in was not match for a diseased animal. He didn’t deserve this.”
Along with a prison investigation, Thompson’s lawyer stated his household is calling for somebody to be held accountable in his loss of life and the closure and substitute of the jail.
“It’s no secret that the dilapidated and quickly eroding situations of the present facility make it extremely troublesome to fulfill the objective of offering a clear, well-maintained and wholesome surroundings for all inmates and employees,” the sheriff’s workplace assertion stated. “That’s exactly why Sheriff (Patrick) Labat continues to name constructing a brand new Fulton County Jail and Legal Justice Complicated which is able to present an elite stage of care, psychological well being companies, safety and cleanliness.”
Extra protection from USA TODAY
Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending information for USA TODAY. Attain her at nalund@usatoday.com and observe her on Twitter @nataliealund.
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