Tristen McKee
Tristen McKee was 17 when they died on May 22, 2022, at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, Georgia. Tristen's sister, Marli Williams, has spoken publicly about them. According to a lawsuit filed by their mother, Lisa Spradlin, against the Georgia Department of Corrections, Tristen was stabbed to death in an attack by gang members at the prison. The lawsuit says Tristen had a history of mental illness, suicidal thoughts, and gender dysphoria, had reported threats to their safety, and was placed in a dormitory with gang members who were hostile to LGBTQ people. These are the lawsuit's allegations, which also claim that staffing and monitoring at the prison were inadequate.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). His mother's lawsuit says gang members stabbed him, and that staff ignored his reports of threats to his safety and did not adequately staff or monitor the dorm; the Georgia Department of Corrections has said only that the death is under investigation.
Reported by: Lisa Spradlin, his mother, in a lawsuit against the Georgia Department of Corrections (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Lisa Spradlin, Tristen McKee's mother, sued the Georgia Department of Corrections over his death, and the sources report no settlement or award amount.