Stephen Fossett
Stephen Fossett was remembered by his family as a loving big brother and son who worked constantly to improve his mental health, and they say he had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and was denied timely mental health care. He died in May 2024 at a hospital after a medical emergency while held at the Bibb County jail, where officers used a Taser and restrained him. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation ruled his death a homicide, citing toxic effects of K2 along with the altercation, restraint, and Taser use, while the Macon District Attorney's Office decided in April 2025 not to charge the deputies, finding the force reasonable. The sheriff's office has said the Taser did not cause the medical emergency. His family has filed federal and state lawsuits alleging civil rights violations, wrongful death, and medical malpractice.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The GBI ruled the death a homicide from K2 toxicity combined with the altercation, restraint and tasing, while the district attorney declined charges and the sheriff's office said the tasing had no effect; his family's lawsuit alleges he was denied timely mental health care.
Reported by: Georgia Bureau of Investigation (outside investigators); Macon District Attorney's Office; Bibb County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Medical examiner (medical examiner or coroner); his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family has filed federal and state lawsuits alleging civil rights violations, wrongful death, and medical malpractice, with no amount reported.
News reports (4)
- GBI Medical Examiner rules Stephen Fossett's death, while in custody, a homicide
- Macon DA won’t charge Bibb County officers in inmate Stephen Fossett’s death
- Bodycam video shows tasing before Bibb County inmate Stephen Fossett's death
- Family files civil rights, medical malpractice lawsuits for 2024 death of Stephen Fossett