GBI Investigates Inmate Death
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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating a use of force incident that resulted in the death of an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo on Sunday, November 2. At around 5:45 a.m. on Sunday morning, November 2, correctional officers engaged with inmate Dustin Parham, 35, after hearing reports of his erratic and combative behavior inside a dormitory. Parham was found behaving abnormally near the dormitory doorway and had armed himself with a makeshift weapon, which was described as a metal poker.
Parham attempted to leave the dormitory and go into the facility’s control area, but cor- continued from page
rectional officers secured Parham in handcuffs within the doorway. The effort took several officers to work to gain Parham’s compliance, as he continued to resist. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray – similar to pepper spray – was used in the struggle.
While officers were attempting to place Parham onto a medical gurney to restrain him for evaluation, he became unresponsive. Parham was pronounced dead on the scene.
No officers were injured in the situation. Parham’s body will be taken to the Coastal Crime Lab in Pooler for an autopsy.
Parham had been incarcerated since 2023 for charges of trafficking methamphetamine, aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana in Bibb and Jones Counties.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an independent investigation on the case. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Oconee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
