John Reed
John Reed, 72, was a veteran who needed a wheelchair and oxygen. His wife, Regene Brantley-Reed, said that in 16 years together he made her laugh every day, and his 95-year-old mother cries daily asking for him. He was held in a holding cell at the Macon County Jail in Alabama, where a cellmate beat him to death in October 2024. His wife's lawsuit alleges that three deputies knew of the assault and ignored his cries for help, and the state Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). A beating by a cellmate is attributed by court documents and his wife's lawsuit, which says three deputies knew of the assault and ignored his cries for help.
Reported by: court documents; his wife's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: John Reed's wife filed a lawsuit alleging that three deputies knew of the assault and ignored his cries for help, and no settlement or award amount has been reported.