Stephen Monroe Wood
Stephen Monroe Wood, 55, was originally from Brookhaven in Henry County, Georgia. He was held at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, where, according to reports, his cellmate attacked him in their cell on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He was taken to hospitals in Sandersville and Augusta and died the next day, January 25. The Hancock County Coroner's Office is investigating the death as a homicide and says an autopsy is pending, though an earlier report said the cause was unknown, and the Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards is also investigating.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. The Hancock County Coroner is investigating the death as a homicide after Stephen Monroe Wood was reportedly beaten in his cell by his cellmate, and the Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards is also investigating.
Reported by: Hancock County Coroner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews (medical examiner or coroner); Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards (outside investigators).