Family Of Inmate Who Died In DeKalb Jail Files Lawsuit: Report

DECATUR, GA — The parents of a 34-year-old man who died while incarcerated at the DeKalb County Jail is federally suing jail staff and others after claiming the man wrongfully died of hypothermia, WANF reported Monday.

Anthony Lamar Walker was arrested on Dec. 18, 2022, WXIA-TV reported at the time. He died eight days later, WANF reported.

The lawsuit claimed at least two dozen jail workers and medical contractors purposely disregarded Walker's "pleas for help," though he suffered a "mental health crisis" upon arrival at the jail, WANF reported.

Furthermore, the report stated Walker's jail cell experienced temperatures in the 50s when it was 10-18 degrees outside at that time.

"Despite the freezing conditions, Walker remained naked in his cell. Jail command staff had sent an email reminding employees to prepare for cold weather and give inmates two blankets each, but Walker received none," WANF reported.

The family cited civil rights violations, wrongful death, negligence and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in its lawsuit, the media report says.

Walker died within 24 hours of another inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell, WXIA-TV reported.

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox has not publicly commented on the matter.