According to TMZ, former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick is paying for an autopsy on a man who died in an Atlanta jail under mysterious circumstances.
When Kaepernick learned of the death of LaShawn Thompson, 35, who was discovered dead in his Fulton County Jail cell in September of last year, he contacted the Thompson family’s attorney, Ben Crump, to help fund an independent autopsy. Authorities conducted an official autopsy, which resulted in “undetermined,” though his family believes that the “filthy” conditions at the jail contributed to his currently unexplained death.
Thompson was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of misdemeanor simple battery. Thompson’s detention conditions reportedly astounded Kaepernick. His family has released photos of the cell and his body as it was discovered. There were bugs and bug bites all over his body, according to the coroner. The cell itself was discovered to have a “severe” infestation of unknown bugs. Independent autopsies usually cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
“Mr. Thompson was found dead in a filthy jail cell after being eaten alive by insects and bed bugs,” Georgia lawyer Michael D. Harper said earlier this month.
The family is seeking for an explanation, and for sweeping changes to be made to the condition of the Fulton County Jail cells. “The ongoing investigation is examining details regarding the medical care provided and ultimately will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted in this case,” reads a statement from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.