DeKalb Inmate Dies In Jail After Months-Long Stay

DECATUR, GA — An inmate who was incarcerated on aggravated assault and elder abuse charges has died at the DeKalb County Jail, authorities said Sunday.

They say they found Michael Gafa, 57, unresponsive in his cell Sunday. Emergency medical workers pronounced him dead at the scene.

"Authorities will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Gafa’s death," authorities said in a news release.

According to jail records, Gafa had been incarcerated since Sept. 6, 2025 on charges of aggravated assault, abuse of an elder person and neglect to a disabled adult/elder person/resident of long-term facility.

An official cause and manner of death were not released.

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