Sweeping changes coming to jail where inmate was allegedly eaten alive by bedbugs

The death of LaShawn Thompson at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta is now being investigated after his family's lawyer claimed he died after being eaten alive by bedbugs. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office said they will also make "sweeping changes" at the jail after the tragic death.

Earlier this month, the family's attorney, Michael Harper, called for a criminal investigation after after Thompson — who was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor simple battery — was found dead in his jail cell in September 2022. 

Jail records show that medical staff and detention noticed Thompson was deteriorating, but they didn't help him, the attorney said. "They literally watched his health decline until he died," said Harper. "When his body was found one of the detention officers refused to administer CPR because in her words she 'freaked out.'"