Davisboro, Georgia, January 13, 2026
A tragic disturbance at Washington State Prison in Georgia led to the death of three inmates and injuries to a corrections officer and thirteen others. The incident, characterized as a possible riot, erupted on an outdoor sidewalk, with gang-affiliated groups involved. The situation escalated quickly but was brought under control by prison staff and law enforcement agencies. The prison remains on lockdown as investigations proceed into the cause and circumstances surrounding the violence, raising ongoing concerns regarding prison safety in the state.
Davisboro, Georgia
A profound disturbance at the Washington State Prison in Davisboro, Georgia, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, tragically resulted in the deaths of three inmates and left a corrections officer along with thirteen other inmates injured. The altercation, characterized by authorities as a “possible riot” or “several major fights,” prompted a rapid response from prison staff and multiple law enforcement agencies, bringing the facility under control by late afternoon.
Details of the Incident
The fatal confrontation commenced around 1:25 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, on an outdoor sidewalk within the medium-security prison, approximately 130 miles southeast of Atlanta. The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) indicated that the inmates involved were believed to be part of “gang-affiliated” security threat groups. As the chaos unfolded, injured inmates managed to enter a visitation area, though no visitors sustained injuries and were safely escorted from the facility. One corrections officer was reportedly overpowered while attempting to secure a door. Staff at the prison immediately intervened, deploying non-lethal weapons to de-escalate the situation. By 3:00 p.m., internal order was restored, and by 6:00 p.m., the entire prison facility was deemed secure.
Casualties and Injuries
The Washington County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deaths of three inmates: Ahmod Hatcher, 23; Jimmy Trammell, 42; and Teddy Jackson, 27. Initial reports indicated two inmates died at the scene, with a third succumbing to injuries later that Sunday evening at a local hospital. Poignantly, Jimmy Trammell was reportedly only days away from completing a 10-year sentence for first-degree burglary. In addition to the fatalities, one corrections officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and thirteen other inmates required medical attention, subsequently being transported to area hospitals for treatment. The Georgia State Patrol provided security at the medical facilities where the injured inmates were admitted.
Investigation and Response
The incident remains under active investigation, with the Georgia Department of Corrections leading the inquiry. Autopsies for the deceased inmates are slated to be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to ascertain the exact cause and manner of their deaths. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Davisboro Police, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Patrol, provided critical assistance, securing the perimeter while GDC personnel managed the volatile situation within the prison’s confines. The Washington State Prison currently remains on lockdown as the investigation continues.
Broader Context of Prison Safety (State-level)
This tragic event at Washington State Prison brings into sharp relief the ongoing concerns regarding safety and conditions within Georgia’s correctional system. The incident contributes to a growing narrative of chronic violence, staffing challenges, and security vulnerabilities that have been a subject of scrutiny. A 2024 report by the Department of Justice previously illuminated these challenges, citing “deliberate indifference” to issues such as violence, drug proliferation, extortion, and sexual abuse across state facilities. This report also noted a troubling escalation in homicides within Georgia prisons, with numbers rising from seven in 2018 to thirty-five in 2023. These figures underscore the systemic pressures and human costs inherent in the complex task of incarceration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Washington State Prison?
A large-scale fight, described as a “possible riot” or “disturbance,” broke out among inmates at Washington State Prison on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at the Washington State Prison in Davisboro, Washington County, Georgia.
When did the incident take place?
The altercation began around 1:25 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The incident was brought under control by 3:00 p.m., and the prison was deemed secure by 6:00 p.m.
How many inmates died?
Three inmates died as a result of injuries sustained during the altercation.
Who were the inmates who died?
The deceased inmates were identified as Ahmod Hatcher (23), Jimmy Trammell (42), and Teddy Jackson (27).
Were any corrections officers injured?
Yes, one corrections officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
How many other inmates were injured?
Thirteen other inmates were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries.
What caused the fight?
The inmates involved were believed to be part of “gang-affiliated” security threat groups. The altercation began on an outdoor sidewalk.
Were visitors affected or injured?
No visitors were injured. Injured inmates entered a visitation area, but visitors were safely escorted from the facility.
Is the incident under investigation?
Yes, the incident is under active investigation, led by the Georgia Department of Corrections. Autopsies for the deceased inmates will be performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Is Washington State Prison currently on lockdown?
Yes, the facility is currently on lockdown.
Key Features of the Washington State Prison Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Sunday, January 11, 2026 | State-level |
| Location | Washington State Prison, Davisboro, Georgia | State-level |
| Nature of Event | Large-scale fight, described as “possible riot” among inmates | State-level |
| Inmate Fatalities | 3 (Ahmod Hatcher, Jimmy Trammell, Teddy Jackson) | State-level |
| Corrections Officer Injuries | 1 (non-life-threatening) | State-level |
| Other Inmate Injuries | 13 hospitalized | State-level |
| Cause (Believed) | Gang-affiliated inmates (security threat groups) | State-level |
| Investigation Status | Active, led by Georgia Department of Corrections | State-level |
| Prison Status | Currently on lockdown | State-level |
| Broader Context | Concerns over chronic violence, staffing shortages, and security failures in Georgia’s prison system; 2024 DOJ report on “deliberate indifference” and rising homicides (State-level) | State-level |
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