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Houston County inmate, 32, dies while in custody, GBI investigating

The GBI says that the man died only a few hours after he was originally booked into the jail.

PERRY, Ga. — The death of a Houston County inmate is under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, the agency said in a press release.

They say Perry man David Woodard, 32, was booked Oct. 1 into the Houston County Detention Center in Perry. That was at 8:30 a.m.

But then, only a few hours later at 1 p.m., the GBI says Woodward collapsed in his cell. 

Deputies offered medical aid to Woodward, but he was then taken to a local hospital. 

He was pronounced dead at the hospital, the press release said.

The Houston County Sheriff's Office says he was arrested on Public Indecency and Obstruction of an Officer charges. 

The GBI says they were asked to conduct an independent investigation into Woodward's death.

Woodward received an autopsy at the GBI Medical Examiner's Office, but the GBI says they won't share the outcome of the autopsy because the case is under investigation. 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Houston Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review and potential prosecution. 

The GBI says the investigation is "active and ongoing." Anyone with information can call the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Perry at 478-987-4545. 

The GBI also accepts anonymous tips at 1-800-597-TIPS or online here. 

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