Georgia Settles Lawsuit for $4 Million After Inmate Beaten to Death
David Henegar, 44, was beaten to death by his cellmate at Johnson State Prison over a five-hour period while prison staff allegedly ignored his cries for help. This incident occurred on October 16, 2021, and has led to Georgia's Department of Corrections settling a lawsuit for $4 million with Henegar's family. The lawsuit claims that Henegar was supposed to be transferred to a different jail just two weeks prior to the attack, but an administrative delay kept him in custody at Wrightsville. This delay was reportedly due to a backlog in the prison system, which has raised concerns about the safety and treatment of inmates. Henegar's family attorneys have stated that the prison staff failed to protect him, which contributed to his death. The Georgia Department of Corrections has faced criticism regarding its handling of the incident and the overall safety of inmates. Legal representatives have pointed out that there have been numerous complaints about the conditions and treatment within the prison system. This case highlights ongoing issues related to inmate safety and accountability within Georgia's correctional facilities.