DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reports 57-year-old inmate died at DeKalb County Jail on Feb. 15

Decatur, GA –Authorities are investigating the death of a 57-year-old inmate who died on Sunday at the DeKalb County Jail, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, Feb. 16. 

Michael Gafa, who had been in custody since September 2025, was found unresponsive in his cell, authorities said in a news release. 

“On-site medical staff and DeKalb EMS responded immediately, however, Mr. Gafa was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

“The DeKalb Sheriff’s Office takes any loss of life in our custody very seriously,” said Sheriff Melody M. Maddox. “While there is no indication of foul play or criminal activity, incidents of this nature—regardless of cause—are subject to a thorough investigation.”

Authorities will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Gafa’s death, the Sheriff’s Office said.