Inmate Death Being Investigated as Apparent Suicide

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) is investigating the death of an inmate at Valdosta State Prison in Valdosta, Ga., as a suspected suicide.

On May 26, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Correctional Officers found inmate Astair Holmes Jr. (GDC#1001378261) unresponsive in his cell.  Emergency Medical Services were called and life saving measures were performed.  Holmes was pronounced deceased by the facility physician at approximately 12:10 p.m.  GDC is conducting an investigation into the death, as standard procedure. 

Holmes maximum release date was 2025.

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.