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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Georgia Coroner Rules|Jail Death a Homicide

(CN) - A Georgia coroner has determined that a 22-year-old college student found dead in restraints in the Chatham County jail died from blunt-force injuries to his head and body.

Matthew Ajibade, a local artist and student with bipolar disorder, was found dead in a restraint chair at the jail on January 1, after he was booked on domestic violence and obstruction of justice charges.

According to published reports, deputies arrested Ajibade after responding to a domestic violence call in the early morning hours of New Year Day, and observing him holding a woman under a blanket whose face was bruised and bloodied.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in January that Ajibade became combative during the booking process, and that force was used to restrain him. It said deputies were injured during the altercation, and Ajibade was confined to restraint chair.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Affairs Division of the sheriff's office conducted investigations, and in May, nine deputies were fired in connection with the man's death.

Chatham County Coroner Wessinger ruled Ajibade's death a homicide in May. His determination became public on Thursday.

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