The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding a serious inmate-on-inmate assault that has tragically resulted in the death of an individual in our custody.
First and foremost, we extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this incident. We recognize the profound impact of this loss and remain committed to transparency as we outline the sequence of events.
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Incident Overview
On March 27, 2026, at approximately 1:58 p.m., correctional staff, while serving meals in the dayroom, discovered inmate Michael Hunt unresponsive inside his assigned cell within our mental health housing unit. This unit houses individuals who are being treated for, or evaluated for, mental health disorders.
Emergency medical assistance was immediately requested. Mr. Hunt was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for advanced medical care. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Mr. Hunt succumbed to his injuries on April 1, 2026.
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Investigation Findings & Timeline
An immediate investigation was launched by the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division.
Preliminary findings indicate that Mr. Hunt was assaulted inside his assigned cell by another inmate, identified as Jalen Leverette. Evidence shows the assault involved repeated physical violence, including strikes and stomping, which ultimately rendered the victim unconscious.
Initial arrest warrants were obtained for Aggravated Assault and Battery on an Elderly Person. Following Mr. Hunt’s passing, additional warrants for Malice Murder have been secured.
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Response Timeline
• 1:58 p.m. – Inmate located unresponsive; emergency response initiated
• 1:59 p.m. – Additional medical request made
• 2:03 p.m. – Medical staff arrived on scene
• 2:07 p.m. – Inmate transported to infirmary
• 2:33 p.m. – Fire Department arrived
• 2:41 p.m. – Ambulance departed for hospital
From initial discovery to transport, the total response time was approximately 43 minutes, with continuous medical intervention provided throughout.
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The Reality of Jail Operations
Let me be clear to the public:
A jail is not a college campus.
It is not an amusement park like Six Flags or Disney World.
It is a detention facility housing individuals charged with serious and violent crimes.
Clayton County is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of violent offenders in custody, including:
• Over 155 inmates charged with taking the life of another person
• A daily population of 1,800–1,900 inmates in a facility designed for 1,536 beds
• Over 800 inmates requiring medical attention in a facility designed for only 27 medical beds
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Facility Conditions & Capacity Challenges
The Clayton County Jail was designed as a temporary detention facility, intended to house inmates for up to 12 months.
Today, we are housing individuals for up to 96 months, effectively operating as a long-term prison without the infrastructure to support it.
We are also challenged by the need to properly separate and manage:
• Violent offenders
• Medical populations
• Mental health cases
• Transgender inmates
• Gang-affiliated individuals
• Multiple custody classifications (minimum, medium, maximum, and super max)
This facility has outgrown its intended capacity by at least 15 years.
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Staffing Crisis & Findings
The Board of Commissioners commissioned a study by CGL Companies, which concluded:
• 235 correctional officers are needed for safe and effective operations
• 177 officers is the absolute minimum required
Yet today, this office is funded for only 123 correctional officers—a staffing level that has remained unchanged since 2006, despite significant increases in both population and violence.
To put this into perspective:
• 155 inmates charged with murder
• 123 correctional officers to manage the entire facility
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Accountability & Path Forward
Ultimately, as the duly elected Sheriff of Clayton County, I am responsible for everything under my command.
Since taking office, I have consistently advocated for:
• Increased staffing
• Expanded housing capacity
• Dedicated medical and specialized housing units
• Modernized infrastructure to meet today’s public safety demands
The safety of our staff, inmates, and community depends on these critical improvements.
I remain steadfast in securing the jail; however, we need the support of the Board of Commissioners, and I need the citizens to advocate for transitioning to a Direct Supervision model within the jail.
This model places officers directly inside housing units, allowing them to hear, see, and respond to activity in real time—significantly reducing violence and improving safety outcomes.
This transition will require increasing correctional officer staffing to the recommended 177 minimum or 235 optimal level.
Additionally, I am calling on both the Board and the public to support the use of modular housing units on existing jail property. These units would create additional capacity to properly house medical populations and low-level offenders.
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Closing Statement
The public must understand that the men and women who work inside this jail operate in one of the most dangerous environments in our community every single day.
Despite these challenges, our commitment remains unwavering:
The safety, security, and well-being of our staff, inmates, and the citizens of Clayton County will always be our top priority.
