Nation & World News
Nation & World News

Georgia inmate found dead in cell identified

The incident is being investigated by the Internal Affairs Office
By Stephanie Toone
Feb 14, 2020

An inmate was found dead in a county jail cell Thursday afternoon, according to Bibb County officials.

The inmate was found unresponsive around 2 p.m. in his Bibb County Law Enforcement Center jail cell, sheriff's officials told the Macon Telegraph. The man was transported to a nearby hospital, Navicent Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead after receiving CPR.

The man was identified as 25-year-old Dakota Lee Smither, according to Macon-Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones.

Deputies told the newspaper that, based on the inmate’s condition, it appeared he hung himself.

Since the death happened while the man was in custody, an autopsy will be performed and the Internal Affairs Office will investigate.

Smither’s family has still not been located, so Jones has asked that anyone with information, contact him at (478) 256-6716.

About the Author

Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.

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