Jerry Lackey
Jerry Lackey, 39, was held at Augusta State Medical Prison in Augusta, Georgia. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation reported that he was found hanging in his cell in the prison's mental health unit in the early morning of April 8, 2020. The investigation said he was supposed to be checked every 15 minutes, but the only officer assigned to the unit was pulled away for much of the night. His sister, Cassandra Willis, said the family was mortified to learn the details of his death and that it could have been prevented.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation reports that he hanged himself, and that the only officer on the mental health unit was pulled away, so the required 15-minute checks were not done, while his family says the death could have been prevented.
Reported by: Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation (reporters); his family.