DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — An inmate died while in custody at the DeKalb County Jail on Monday, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said around 10:06 a.m., 31-year-old Charles Robert Smith reportedly experienced a medical emergency in his jail cell. Deputies said the on-site medical team responded and attempted to provide emergency services, but despite their efforts, Smith was pronounced dead by EMS upon their arrival.
Smith, a resident of College Park, had been held at the DeKalb County Jail since Dec. 9, 2023. He faced charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon or first offender.
His cause of death has not yet been determined.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office of Professional Standards is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death.
This is the second death of an inmate in custody at the DeKalb County jail in the last few months. In March, the sheriff's office reported that 27-year-old Christon Devante Collins died after also experiencing a medical emergency in his cell. The inmate later died at the hospital on March 15.
Collins' mother told 11Alive the Army veteran had spent more than three years in service and had been diagnosed with several mental illnesses. She believes he should have been in a hospital and not in jail due to PTSD and schizophrenia. A cause of death for Collins has not yet been released.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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