GBI rules Bibb inmate death a homicide

Agents will conduct a review of the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, according to GBI Public Affairs Specialist Lydia Bullard.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner has ruled the death of a Bibb County inmate a homicide, according to GBI Public Affairs Specialist Lydia Bullard.

The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate 42-year-old Stephen Fossett’s death on October 2. Bullard adds that GBI agents will conduct a review of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

This comes nearly four months after Fossett died in custody on May 25. Attorneys representing his family members say Fossett was tased three times.

Initially, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said Fossett’s death was the result of a medical emergency. BCSO Public Information Officer Lt. Linda Howard issued the following statement on May 29:

“During watch in the Law Enforcement Center, deputies discovered an inmate behaving strangely,  having a medical emergency. While being screened for medical conditions, the inmate became combative with assisting medical staff and deputies who were attempting to treat him. A taser was deployed in an attempt to control the inmate. The taser had no effect on the inmate. The inmate was restrained then transported to a medical facility by ambulance. It was later reported to deputies the inmate had passed. The incident is currently under investigation pending autopsy.”

In a statement, attorneys called for law enforcement to release footage of what led up to Fossett’s death.