Terry Lee Bennett
Terry Lee Bennett, 43, died in January 2021 while held at Augusta State Medical Prison in Columbia County, Georgia. He had shared a cell for many years with the man later charged in his death. Prosecutors said that cellmate beat him with a plastic food tray after his wrists and ankles had been bound. Witnesses testified in court about the number and severity of his wounds and the absence of defensive wounds. The defense argued that the cellmate acted out of fear for his own life.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. Prosecutors say his cellmate beat him with a hard plastic food tray after his wrists and ankles were bound, and witnesses testified about the number and severity of his wounds.
Reported by: Columbia Judicial Circuit District Attorney's office; Columbia County authorities; witnesses who testified at the trial; news reports on the death.