News Summary
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the death of 27-year-old David Mark Decoteau at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta. Decoteau was found unresponsive in his cell and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident is raising concerns about the oversight and safety of inmates in detention facilities. Authorities have assured the public that safety protocols were followed, and an autopsy is set to determine the cause of death.
Augusta
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an investigation into the death of an inmate at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, involves the deceased inmate, identified as 27-year-old David Mark Decoteau.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Decoteau had been in custody since August 21 on a Superior Court order to show cause warrant. He was housed alone in a single cell as a precautionary measure. Jail staff regularly monitored him, and the last observation recorded showed him alive at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, sitting in his cell.
At an unspecified time later, detention personnel discovered Decoteau unresponsive and immediately called for medical assistance. Medical staff arrived and initiated lifesaving measures before Central EMS transported him to Wellstar MCG Health. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital at 6 a.m.
Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed Decoteau’s identity after notifying his next of kin. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Decoteau’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley emphasized that the safety and well-being of individuals in custody is a priority for the facility. He noted that this incident is not linked to recent social media claims regarding injuries or deaths among inmates in their care. Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard assured the public that all safety protocols were followed in this case.
In response to Decoteau’s death, an autopsy has been scheduled to establish the cause and manner of death. The GBI will serve as the lead investigative agency, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office stated that no further details will be available until the investigation concludes.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about the care and oversight of inmates in detention facilities. As investigations proceed, it is expected that more information will be made available to the public concerning protocols and overall inmate safety.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arrest Warrant Issued in 20-Year-Old Homicide Case
Arrest Warrant Issued in Nearly Two-Decade Cold Case
Investigation Launched into Inmate Death at Detention Center
Tragic Homicide Investigation in Augusta
Margaret Heap Assumes Role as Interim U.S. Attorney in Georgia
Mexico Steps Up Extraditions of Cartel Figures to the U.S.
Correctional Officers Indicted for Inmate’s Death in Augusta
Indictments in Augusta State Medical Prison Inmate Death
Former Officers Indicted Over Inmate’s Death at Augusta Prison
Former Officers Indicted for Inmate’s Death in Fire Incident
Additional Resources
- WRDW: 27-Year-Old Richmond County Jail Inmate Dies
- Wikipedia: Incarceration in the United States
- Augusta Press: Inmate Identified After Death at Augusta Jail
- Google Search: Richmond County Jail Inmate Death
- August Chronicle: GBI to Investigate Death at Richmond County Jail
- Google Scholar: Richmond County Jail Investigation
- WRDW: Coroner Identifies Inmate Who Died at Augusta Jail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corrections
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Former Augusta Prison Guards Indicted in Inmate Death
- Google News: Augusta Jail Death Investigation
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.
