Inmate Death Investigation Ongoing

The GBI said Wednesday the investigation into an inmate death at the Stephens County Jail last week is ongoing.

While conducting a cell check last Friday afternoon, Stephens County jailers found 24-year-old inmate Barry J. Mullinax, of the Liberty/Easley, South Carolina area unresponsive in a single person cell.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said Mullinax was found with a piece of linen tied around his neck.

In an e-mail update Wednesday, a GBI Spokesperson stated that Mullinax attempted to commit suicide by hanging.

According to the sheriff, jailers and medical staff immediately contacted EMS and began administering CPR until paramedics arrived.

He said that despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Mullinax could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the Stephens County Hospital.

Mullinax was being held at the Stephens County Jail on charges of Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, as well as other charges.

He was accused of stealing a car at gunpoint on February 22 in Stephens County after meeting up with the local seller through Craigslist and leading authorities on a chase that ended when Mullinax wrecked the stolen car on Doyle Street in downtown Toccoa.

Shirley said he contacted the GBI to investigate because whenever there is an incident inside of a facility, he says it is always best to ask an outside, unbiased agency to conduct the investigation.

The sheriff said that this process ensures transparency and allows for unquestionable integrity within the investigation.