Six deputies from a sheriff's office in north-central Georgia will not face charges in connection with the death of a mentally ill man who was held in jail overnight on a trespassing charge. The incident occurred in November and involved 38-year-old Terry Lee Thurmond III.

The Clayton County Sheriff's Office deputies had been facing potential charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct, and violation of their oaths of office. The county medical examiner ruled Thurmond's death a homicide.

Despite the medical examiner's ruling, a grand jury chose not to indict the deputies on Tuesday, without providing a specific reason for their decision. District Attorney Tasha Mosley expressed disappointment with the outcome while acknowledging the grand jury's authority.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the incident began when deputies attempted to prevent Thurmond from jumping from the second floor of the jail. A struggle ensued, during which Thurmond was tased. The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that jail personnel restrained Thurmond by applying pressure with their hands, knees, and body weight while he was face down for approximately 10-15 minutes. Shortly after, Thurmond became unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Reports indicate that Thurmond had a history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, and hypertension. He had been arrested the day before his death for trespassing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after entering secure areas without a ticket. He also had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation.

Thurmond’s sister expressed her family's devastation over the grand jury's decision, criticizing the system and demanding justice. She described the deputies' actions as excessive force, alleging they used their combined weight to restrain him until he was no longer alive.

Following an internal investigation, the sheriff’s office terminated the employment of the six deputies involved in December.