The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has stepped in to investigate a man’s death in custody at the Bibb County Jail, officials confirmed Friday.
A medical examiner from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation ruled Stephen Fossett’s death at the Bibb County Jail a homicide, according to Fossett’s family, and GBI is inquiring further. Fossett was incarcerated at the jail and was tased by a Bibb County correctional officer before he died, according to lawyers for the family and information from county officials.
Deputies also put their body weight on Fossett, who had been booked on a criminal trespassing charge, according to Mawuli Davis, one of the attorneys representing Fossett’s family. In August, they called on the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to be more transparent about the incident, saying they hadn’t received crucial evidence about the case.
District Attorney Anita R. Howard and Sheriff David Davis asked GBI to investigate the cause of death further, said Nelly Miles, director of the office of Public and Governmental Affairs for GBI. Its agents will conduct a review. The agency said it wouldn’t comment further.
Fossett’s mother, Paula Platt, previously said he suffered from chronic schizophrenia. She said jail staff should have been familiar with his situation, considering he had participated in mental health programs through the county.
His family said he’s remembered as “a kind-hearted individual who struggled with mental health issues but remained resilient in the face of adversity.”
Fossett’s family and attorneys will host a candlelight prayer vigil and rally on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. in front of the Bibb County Jail. The event is meant to offer “support to the Fossett family and demand justice for Stephen’s tragic death while in custody,” according to the Davis Bozeman Johnson law firm. The firm and family are inviting the community to attend the vigil.
“We need the Macon community to join us in remembering his life,” said Platt. “We want this exposed so no other family has to endure this pain.”
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