A Georgia corrections officer was fired from his job and charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children after he allegedly allowed a deadly “fight game” within a youth detention facility that claimed a child’s life.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined that Thomas Lee Hicks, 30, violated his oath of office earlier this month when he allowed the fight at the Waycross Regional Youth Detention Center where he worked as a correctional officer.
A child was found unresponsive at around 9 a.m. surrounded by peers in Hicks’ presence. The child succumbed to his injuries at Memorial Health Hospital in Savannah.
“The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our youths. We send our heartfelt condolence to the youth’s family, friends, and loved ones and they remain in our thoughts and prayers,” GDJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said in a statement.
“Upon learning this afternoon of the findings of the GBI investigation, I immediately terminated Mr. Thomas Hicks from employment with the Department. The actions of Mr. Hicks are deplorable and do not represent the core values of this agency.”
