News Summary
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death of a 27-year-old inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Detention staff discovered the inmate unresponsive in his cell and attempted to provide lifesaving measures before he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office promises full cooperation with the investigation, underscoring their commitment to safety in custody. As discussions on inmate health and facility conditions continue, this incident reignites concerns about correctional practices.
Augusta – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is currently investigating the death of an inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. This inquiry follows the announcement by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office regarding the incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning when a 27-year-old white male inmate was found unresponsive in his cell.
Upon discovery, detention personnel immediately called for medical assistance. The inmate, who had been placed in solitary confinement as a preventive measure and was reportedly checked on frequently by staff, received lifesaving measures from medical personnel once they arrived on the scene. Subsequently, Central EMS took over care and transported the inmate to Wellstar MCG, where he was later pronounced dead.
The GBI will serve as the lead investigative agency in this case, a responsibility that underscores the serious nature of such incidents within correctional facilities. As the investigation unfolds, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that they will cooperate fully with the GBI to determine the cause of death.
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley highlighted the commitment of the Sheriff’s Office to the safety and well-being of individuals in their custody. Brantley also expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased inmate, emphasizing their empathic stance during this sensitive situation. He noted that detention staff responded promptly and effectively, doing everything possible to provide aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.
This tragic event comes just two days after the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office addressed social media rumors concerning injuries or deaths of inmates at the detention center. The Sheriff’s Office sought to clarify and alleviate any public concerns regarding the conditions within the facility, emphasizing a dedication to maintaining the safety of all inmates.
The investigation by the GBI is expected to focus not only on the circumstances surrounding the inmate’s death but also on broader issues related to inmate health and safety protocols within the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. As part of standard procedure in such cases, the GBI will examine factors that may have contributed to the inmate’s sudden unresponsiveness, looking into prison records, medical history, and the procedures followed by the detention staff leading up to the incident.
The Charles B. Webster Detention Center has been scrutinized in the past relating to inmate treatment and overall facility conditions. The Richmond County community continues to engage in discussions around the need for transparency and improved standards within the criminal justice system. This latest incident is likely to reignite debates concerning inmate care, staffing levels, and resource allocation within the detention facility.
As the GBI proceeds with its investigation, further updates are anticipated, which may provide more clarity on the events that led to this inmate’s untimely death and inform the public and affected families of the outcomes. In the meantime, both law enforcement and the community remain focused on ensuring the safety and dignity of those who are incarcerated, amid ongoing challenges and scrutiny of corrections practices.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Death of Augusta Inmate Under GBI Investigation
- Augusta Chronicle: GBI to Investigate Death at Richmond County Jail
- Fox 5 Atlanta: 2 Former Augusta Prison Guards Indicted in Inmate Death
- Wikipedia: Richmond County, Georgia
- 13WMAZ: Former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Indicted
- Google Search: Augusta Prison Inmate Death
- WFXG: Former Augusta Prison Officers Indicted in Inmate’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Justice

Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.