Associated Press
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Surveillance video from a Georgia jail shows an inmate struggling in a confrontation with deputies and being hit and kicked before he was restrained and later found dead.
The video was played for jurors Wednesday during the trial of three former jail employees charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of 21-year-old Mathew Ajibade, according to multiple news outlets, some of which also posted portions of the video online.
Authorities have said Ajibade was found dead strapped to a restraint chair at the Savannah jail hours after his arrest on a domestic violence charge Jan. 1.
Prosecutors say Cpl. Jason Kenny shocked the restrained Ajibade four times with a Taser. Cpl. Maxine Evans and nurse Gregory Brown are accused of failing to check Ajibade’s condition and faking jail records.
Video posted online by WTOC-TV shows Ajibade thrashing on the ground. He was struck and kicked as deputies tried to bring him under control.
Ajibade was hit in the face twice by a deputy during the struggle, WTOC-TV reported. But former lieutenant Debra Johnson, who was the night commander that day, told jurors the action was justified under jail policies in an effort to control the inmate.
State medical examiner Stacey Desamours testified on Tuesday, saying several factors could have contributed to Ajibade’s death, including the struggle with jailers and being struck by a stun gun.
Chatham County coroner Dr. Bill Wessinger said Ajibade suffered several blunt injuries to his head and upper body and had blood inside his skull case.
The TV station reports that jurors will continue to watch jail surveillance video.