FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — An autopsy revealed new details of a Fulton County inmate who died in custody. The family and attorneys of 34-year-old Samuel Lawrence presented their results of the latest autopsy at a news conference on Tuesday.
The report, which was an alleged copy of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's autopsy, reveals that the cause of death for Lawrence was asphyxia due to strangulation. As of Tuesday, the sheriff's office has not released their autopsy or cause of death in the case.
In the alleged copy of the medical examiner's report, it's shown that Lawrence suffered blunt force trauma of the neck, including recent abrasions on the skin and fractures of the thyroid cartilage, which is a protective barrier surrounding the outside area of the larynx.
"He died a gruesome, horrific violent death and the family of Samuel Lawrence wants justice," said Kenneth Muhammad, the inmate's family attorney.
Other recent head injuries that were healing were noted by the medical examiner on the alleged report.
"The manner of death is classified as homicide," the report reads in part.
Frank Richardson, who is Lawrence's father, spoke at the conference about his son and how his family is fighting for justice.
"Right now, I want justice for my son," Richarson said, "Because I won't ever get him back."
Richardson said that his son isn't the only life he's advocating for, addressing the many other inmates that have died within the year.
"He cried out, and there was no help for him," Richardson said. "And we know that the Lord is able to make things right."
Court records show Lawrence died after eight months in jail. Found unresponsive in his cell on August 26, he passed away at Grady Hospital. At an earlier press conference with family attorneys that discussed the private autopsy, lawyers said the report revealed bite marks and chest injuries, which they argue indicate a physical assault took place.
"The county is responsible for the death of Samuel Lawrence. The Fulton county sheriffs office failed in its obligation to protect him," said Muhammad.
When Lawrence died, he became the 16th person to die while in sheriff's office custody since mid-September last year, according to authorities.
Since last December, Lawrence had been in jail for a single second-degree arson charge after a judge denied him bond, citing a likelihood to re-offend given his criminal background.
11Alive has reached out to the sheriff's office for comment regarding the findings in the autopsy report. We have also reached out to the medical examiner's office for the report as we have not yet independently verified the report.
Samuel Lawrence, inmate who died at Fulton County Jail on August 26
Court records show after 109 days without being indicted; a judge granted the 34-year-old a $30,000 bond in April. Lawrence’s father said he didn’t know his son was granted a bond.
Earlier this year, his attorney filed for a reduced bond, and a hearing was scheduled for a month later. Lawrence died without being indicted.
His uncle, Eugene Hall Jr., said Lawrence filed a federal civil rights complaint against the Fulton County Jail days before he died.
In the complaint, Lawrence claims deputies used excessive force on him, including while he was in handcuffs. He also alleged other inmates attacked him multiples times, where he repeatedly expressed concerns about his safety.