Inmate slain at Augusta Medical Prison; guard fired and charged

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An inmate died Saturday in an altercation at the Augusta State Medical Prison, and a correctional officer was fired and charged in the incident.

The inmate, Roderick Hayes, 29, was serving a 10-year sentence for cruelty to children out of Fulton County, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.

His body has been turned over to the county coroner and will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death.

The death is being investigated by the Georgia Department of Corrections’ Office of Professional Standards, as is standard procedure. As a result, many details aren’t available because the investigation is ongoing.

The agency confirmed the arrest of former Officer Lloyd Hopkins, who was terminated Saturday after failing to follow policies and procedures while working at Augusta State Medical Prison, according to the agency.

According to Columbia County jail records, Hopkins, 51, is being held on charges of murder, aggravated assault and violation of an oath by a public officer.

The Georgia Department of Corrections said in a statement:

“The GDC maintains a zero tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety. The actions of this individual does not reflect the hundreds of Officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities.”

Inmate slayings aren’t unheard of at the prison. Among the deaths there:

Hayes’ records with the Georgia Department of Corrections show several past offenses, including sexual exploitation of a child, pimping a minor under 18, trafficking sexual servitude and burglary.

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