Melvin Johnson
Melvin Johnson's family says he earned his GED and several certifications, and they describe him as a loving father who called them once or twice a week. On Jan. 26, 2026, the family was told he was on life support at a hospital after an assault at Hays State Prison in Trion, Georgia. He died after being taken off life support. His family says they were kept from seeing him and have been given little information, and the Georgia Department of Corrections did not respond to questions from reporters.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. Johnson's family says he was assaulted at Hays State Prison and died after being taken off life support, and the Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia repeats that claim.
Reported by: family; Human and Civil Rights Coalition of Georgia (advocates).