Nine Georgia deputies fired after investigation into young man's jail death

Nine deputies in Savannah, George have been fired in a case that involved a 21-year-old student when he died while in jail on Jan. 1.

According to CNN, Matthew Ajibade was arrested in connection with a domestic disturbance. The dismissal of the deputies reportedly was related to his case, according to spokeswoman Gena Bilbo for the Chatham County Sheriff.

During his arrest, Ajibade reportedly “became combative” while officers booked him. He later died in his holding cell. After his death, the Sheriff’s office announced they would be making policy changes that include the use of medical personnel on-site whenever someone coming in for booking has medication with them.

Savannah Now reported he had been placed in a restraining chair while in isolation and was later handcuffed and he was tased. His cause of death has not been released due to being part of the investigation into what happened to lead to his death.

Two deputies faced termination for unrelated policy violations and Lieutenant Debra Johnson retired.

Meg Heap with the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office was looking at documents from both the George Bureau of Investigation and the sheriff’s office. She reportedly said the case will make its way to the grand jury.