|
|
| Teen inmate's death baffles Fulton jail officials |
| By Atlanta Journal-Constitution |
| Published: 05/19/2005 |
|
An apparently healthy 17-year-old dropped dead at the Fulton County (Ga.) Jail, minutes before his release, authorities said Wednesday. Antonio Merritt was getting ready to leave the jail when he suddenly collapsed in his cell about 7 p.m. Tuesday, said Sheriff's Sgt. Nikita Adams-Hightower. "He seemed fine when they called for him to leave, but then everything turned," Adams-Hightower said. The Sheriff's Office has launched an internal investigation into the death. The teen did not have any altercations with a deputy or an inmate during his four-day stay at the jail, officials said. "To our knowledge, there wasn't any type of foul play," Adams-Hightower said. "He wasn't in a fight [and didn't take] anything as far as we know." The county medical examiner's office said it is awaiting test results to determine the cause of Merritt's death. The results may take several weeks, said Betty Honey, an investigator with the office. The teen's family members could not be reached for comment Wednesday night. Merritt was arrested Saturday after Atlanta police said he shot a 74-year-old woman's dog on Mobile Street. When spotted by officers, Merritt ran into a nearby apartment and hid in the closet, said police Sgt. John Quigley. The 5-foot-8-inch, 145-pound teen was charged with animal cruelty, discharging a firearm, reckless conduct and obstruction of an officer. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think