Autopsy released for man allegedly eaten alive by bed bugs | 11Alive News at Noon

An independent autopsy report has revealed the cause of 30-year-old LaShawn Thompson’s death, who died in police custody last September. According to the report, Thompson’s death was caused by severe neglect, dehydration, rapid weight loss, malnutrition, untreated schizophrenia, bed bugs, and lice. The report was commissioned by Thompson’s family, who hired an attorney to conduct their investigation.

Thompson was found dead in the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where he was held for probation violation. He was covered in bed bug and lice bites and sores, and his death was originally attributed to “natural causes.” The autopsy report, however, paints a different picture, revealing that Thompson was not given the necessary medication to treat his schizophrenia. The report further alleges that Thompson was a victim of “criminal negligence” and calls for an investigation into the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

The Georgia NAACP President Joe Griggs and prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump were at the announcement of the autopsy report. The case has already sparked outcry from advocates for criminal justice reform, who call for increased scrutiny and accountability for jails, prisons, and other forms of detention.

This news follows a recent case where a New Jersey man died after being infected with E. coli from a single bed bug bite, which highlights the growing concerns about the resurgence of bed bugs in the U.S. and their potential health effects. Bed bugs have been found in homes, hotels, public spaces, and public transportation, and their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and even lead to secondary infections.

The news also comes amid talks of legislation, like the affordable insulin act that would cap the price of a 30-day supply of insulin to $35 for all users, including uninsured and private insurance users. Three major drug companies have already announced that they would participate in the act. The senator sponsoring the bill claims that this is happening due to his direct action, despite arguments that inflation and other policies influence these drug makers.

Meanwhile, meteorologists report that there is a little bit of shower activity in some parts of Georgia, as we head throughout the middle of the day. Looking out towards Atlanta, the skies are cloudy, and not all of these clouds are producing rainfall, but a bit of light to moderate shower activity is expected for the next few hours. Looking further up north into Canton, Blairsville, and Dalton, where it’s warmer, the skies are still clear, and there is no rainfall.

In Commerce, a 72-year-old Calvin Barnum with special needs and well-known in his community was shot several times outside Hardees by a man who was later identified as Xavier Clark. Clark has been arrested and charged with murder. Barnum’s death has devastated his family, friends, and neighbors, who held a vigil in his memory. The Commerce police chief believes that the incident was targeted, and it is their first homicide in two years.

In summary, the autopsy report for LaShawn Thompson highlights the critical role of detention facilities in providing medical care to inmates. The case further raises concerns about the resurgence of bed bugs and their potential health effects, while the affordable insulin act would cap the price of insulin to customers, including people who are uninsured and private insurers. Meanwhile, the Commerce community mourns the death of Calvin Barnum, who was shot and killed outside Hardees and calls for justice for those responsible for his death.