Fulton Inmate Killed In Cobb Jail, Cellmate Charged With Murder

MARIETTA, GA — A 63-year-old Fulton County inmate was found unresponsive in his Cobb County Jail, and his cellmate was charged in connection with his death, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities said Ernest Johnson, 52, notified deputies on Friday that his cellmate, Horace Gibbs, was unresponsive. Gibbs was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

The Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office performed an autopsy, ruling Gibbs' death a homicide, authorities said. Details surrounding Gibbs' death were not immediately known.

Cobb authorities charged Johnson on suspicion of felony murder and aggravated assault strangulation in connection with Gibbs' death, authorities said.

Atlanta Police arrested Gibbs on Sept. 2 and charged him on suspicion of criminal trespass, willful obstruction of law enforcement officer and simple battery against police officer/police dog/corrections or detention officer, authorities said. He was being held on a $12,500 bond.

Four days later, Union City Police arrested Johnson and charged him on suspicion of three counts of terrorist threats and acts and two counts of willful obstruction of law enforcement officer, authorities said. He was being held on a $6,500 bond.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said it outsources inmates to Cobb County, Oconee County and the Atlanta City Detention Center.