Deadly Disturbance at Georgia State Prison Leaves 3 Inmates Dead, Over a Dozen Injured

Davisboro, Georgia — A violent altercation erupted Sunday afternoon at Washington State Prison, a medium-security facility in this small town roughly 130 miles southeast of Atlanta, resulting in the deaths of three inmates and injuries to at least 12 others, along with one corrections officer.

The incident, which authorities have described as a "disturbance" involving multiple major fights, began around 1:25 p.m. during visitation hours. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), the altercation started on an outdoor sidewalk among several inmates believed to be affiliated with security threat groups (gangs). As staff worked to clear the visitation area, some injured inmates entered the space, though no visitors were harmed and all were safely escorted out.

Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran reported that "several major fights" broke out, leading to a scene that some local officials initially characterized as a possible riot. Multiple agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, Davisboro Police, and neighboring sheriff's offices, assisted with perimeter security while GDC personnel regained control inside the facility. By approximately 6 p.m., the prison was secured, and all inmates were accounted for.

Three inmates lost their lives in the chaos:

• Ahmod Hatcher, 23, serving a 20-year sentence for aggravated assault from Richmond County (with additional prior charges including robbery and possession of cocaine);

• Jimmy Trammell, 41, serving 20 years for first-degree burglary from Fulton County — notably, he had been just days away from release;

• Teddy Jackson, serving a 10-year sentence for aggravated assault from Bibb County.

Thirteen inmates were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries, with one of the fatalities occurring at a medical facility. A corrections officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

The GDC has launched an investigation into the disturbance, with autopsies planned by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to determine the exact causes of death. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific trigger for the fights or the conditions of the surviving injured.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about violence in Georgia's prison system. A 2024 U.S. Department of Justice report described systemic failures, including understaffing, unchecked gang activity, and rising homicides, with deaths in state facilities climbing sharply in recent years. Critics, including advocacy groups, have pointed to chronic staffing shortages — with some facilities reporting high vacancy rates — as a contributing factor to such outbreaks.

The facility, which houses around 1,550 adult male offenders, remained on lockdown Monday as authorities continued their probe. No further details on potential charges or disciplinary actions have been released.

17GEN4.com