Atlanta Inmate Found Dead: Eaten By Bed Bugs
Family of LaShawn Thompson wants investigation into man's death
An Atlanta inmate with mental illness was found dead in his cell on September 13, 2022, after being "eaten alive" by bed bugs, according to his family's attorney.
Lashawn Thompson, 35, was arrested on June 12, 2022, for misdemeanor simple battery. He was placed in the psychiatric wing of the Fulton County Jail after officials determined he had mental health issues.
Thompson's family said he was found dead in his cell, covered in bed bug bites. They said his body was so badly infested that his skin was peeling off.
"Mr. Thompson was found dead in a filthy jail cell after being eaten alive by insects and bed bugs," said Thompson's family's attorney, Michael D. Harper.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Thompson's death an accident. The cause of death was listed as "multiple organ failure due to sepsis."
The medical examiner's report said there was a "severe bed bug infestation" in Thompson's cell. The report also said there were no clear signs of trauma on Thompson's body.
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