Shane Griffith
Shane Griffith, 32, was an avid hunter and fisherman and a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and his mother said he had been moved to Valdosta State Prison from another prison the day before he died. She said he had asked for protective custody because he feared for his safety. Arrest warrants cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution say other people held at the prison beat him in a dormitory over several hours, and list blunt force trauma as the cause of death. A later report said staff did not notice he was dead until some time afterward. The Georgia Department of Corrections declined to discuss details while the case was under investigation, and final autopsy and toxicology findings were still pending.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). Arrest warrants cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution say other prisoners beat him over several hours, and his mother says he had asked for protective custody because he feared for his safety.
Reported by: Arrest warrants cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (court); his mother.