Inmate Killed in Confrontation with Corrections Officer at Sandersville Medical Center

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Sandersville, Georgia, at the request of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The incident resulted in the death of Jacob Henson, 31, from Canton, GA, and left one officer injured.

On April 23, 2024, around 8:45 p.m., Washington County Deputies and Sandersville Police Officer responded to shooting report at the Washington County Regional Medical Center. Henson, an inmate, was receiving treatment there following injuries sustained earlier in the day during a fight at Washington State Prison.

At the medical center, a scuffle broke out between a non-compliant Henson and a Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officer. Henson gained control of the officer’s OC canister, incapacitating the officer with the spray.

Henson then charged toward a second officer with the canister in hand, spraying OC spray while advancing. It appeared Henson was attempting to escape. The second officer then discharged her firearm, fatally striking Henson, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating the earlier incident at Washington State Prison where Henson was stabbed.  The GBI continues to investigate the use of deadly force by the GDC officer.  Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.