Inmate Dies at DeKalb County Jail, Deputies Say

Jail staffers found 57-year-old Michael Gafa unresponsive in his cell on Sunday.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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An inmate at the DeKalb County Jail in Georgia died over the weekend, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. Jail staffers found 57-year-old Michael Gafa unresponsive in his cell on Sunday, and despite immediate medical response, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office said there is no indication of foul play, and the investigation into Gafa's death is ongoing.

Why it matters

Inmate deaths in county jails are a serious issue, raising concerns about the conditions and care provided to incarcerated individuals. This incident will likely prompt further scrutiny of the DeKalb County Jail's policies and procedures around inmate health and safety.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, on-site medical staff and DeKalb EMS responded immediately after jail staffers found Gafa unresponsive, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Gafa had been in custody since September, held on charges of aggravated assault, abuse of an elder person, and neglect to a disabled adult, elder person or resident of a long-term care facility.

  • Gafa was found unresponsive in his cell on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Gafa had been in custody at the DeKalb County Jail since September.

The players

DeKalb County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for operating the DeKalb County Jail where the inmate death occurred.

Michael Gafa

The 57-year-old inmate who died at the DeKalb County Jail.

Melody Maddox

The sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“The DeKalb Sheriff's Office takes any loss of life in our custody very seriously. While there is no indication of foul play or criminal activity, incidents of this nature — regardless of cause — are subject to a thorough investigation.”

— Melody Maddox, Sheriff of DeKalb County

What’s next

The investigation into Gafa's death at the DeKalb County Jail is ongoing, and the sheriff's office has stated that any loss of life in their custody is taken very seriously and subject to a thorough investigation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by county jails in ensuring the health and safety of incarcerated individuals, and the need for continued scrutiny and reform of jail policies and procedures to prevent such tragic outcomes.