Attorneys representing Lashawn Thompson, a former inmate at Georgia's Fulton County Jail, have disclosed new information regarding the results of his autopsy. According to forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, Thompson's cause of death was attributed to complications arising from severe neglect, with additional major contributing factors including untreated schizophrenia, dehydration, malnourishment, and a significant infestation of insects on his body. Dr. Mitchell classified Thompson's manner of death as homicide.
On Monday, NAACP Georgia Conference President Gerald Griggs said criminal negligence charges should be filed against anyone connected to Thompson’s death. President Griggs called on Gov. Brian Kemp for more mental health funding for the state. “(Thompson) was innocent, he was merely being detained. That should not have led to his death,” Griggs said.
After Thompson’s death, the Fulton County Jail’s chief jailer and two assistant chief jailers resigned at the request of the county’s sheriff.
The Georgia NAACP will contiune to push for legislative funding changes for the Mental Health Services provided throughtout Georgia.