WILCOX COUNTY, Ga. — An investigation is underway following a deadly incident Thursday afternoon at Wilcox State Prison in Abbeville, where one inmate was killed and several others were reportedly injured. Wilcox County Coroner Janice Brown confirmed that an inmate died following what has been described as an altercation at the state prison. The identity of the inmate has not yet been publicly released.
Details surrounding exactly what happened inside the facility remain limited. Initial reports indicated that multiple inmates may have been involved and that several people were injured. However, the exact number of injured inmates and the extent of their injuries have not yet been officially released.
WALB reported that it initially learned about the incident from a tipster who described a possible brawl or riot at the prison. At this time, however, officials have not confirmed that characterization, and Hazlehurst Now is referring to the incident as an altercation unless additional information is released by authorities. It also remains unclear what led to the violence, how many inmates were involved or how the inmate who died was injured.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating the incident, according to reports. As of Friday morning, GDC had not publicly released details explaining what led to the altercation or identifying those involved. Wilcox State Prison is a Georgia Department of Corrections facility located in Abbeville. Hazlehurst Now will continue to follow the investigation and update this story as additional information is confirmed.
