Crawford County Sheriff releases details of former inmate death
Sheriff Walker says he wanted to release all of the details in the interest of transparency.
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Crawford County Sheriff Lewis Walker is speaking out after questions from the community about the death of an inmate who died days after being released from custody.
Below is a factual summary of what actually happened according to Sheriff Walker:
November 8, 2025: William Stinson was booked into the Crawford County Jail as a result of a probation violation sentence. His original release date would have been March 8, 2026. At the time he was booked, like all inmates, he was subjected to a medical intake screening. He reported no current injuries, symptoms, or complaints.
February 11, 2026: Stinson submitted a medical request form and reported dental issues. A dental appointment was scheduled.
February 13: Stinson instigated a fight in the jail by approaching another inmate from the rear and punching the other inmate. Stinson later admitted in a recorded interview with jail personnel that he threw the first punch. There had been no inmate complaints from Stinson regarding the other inmate prior to Stinson striking the other inmate. Shortly after the fight ended, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office called an ambulance to render medical aid to Stinson. The ambulance arrived shortly thereafter. Stinson reported injuries to his head but had no other complaints other than headaches from the fight.
February 16: Stinson was seen by medical at the jail for complaints of vision, blood coming from his ears and knots on or near his ears. There were no other complaints from Stinson as to any other part of his body being injured other than his head.
On February 18: Jail personnel contacted EMS regarding reports that Stinson was throwing up blood. He was transported to Peach County Atrium for testing. On the same day, the Sheriff’s Office contacted the District Attorney’s Office (DA’s office) and updated them regarding Stinson’s status. The DA’s office advised to recall warrants as to Stinson and to release Stinson to the hospital. The Sheriff’s Office also contacted Bibb County Sheriff’s Office who indicated they would release their hold. On the same day, the warrants were recalled and the hold was lifted to allow Stinson to get the medical care he needed. Probation was also contacted.
On February 21: Stinson was transferred from Atrium Peach to Atrium Macon. Later that day, Stinson checked himself out of the hospital in Macon and returned home.
On February 23: EMS was called to Stinson’s home because his mother found him unresponsive. He was admitted in the early morning hours and pronounced dead later that day. Stinson was 55-years-old at the time of his death.
Sheriff Walker says he wanted to release all of the details in the interest of transparency.
