Macon woman seeks justice for son’s death in county lockup, following new reforms

More than a year has passed since Paula Platt’s son died in police custody in Macon. Mayor Lester Miller launched a series of new jail reforms on June 10, but Platt continues to seek justice for her son.

Stephen Fossett had a long history of mental health challenges before he died in custody at the Bibb County jail on May 25, 2024, after an altercation with deputies who tased him several times. 

Platt called the mayor’s jail reforms — which included mental health resources, jail expansion and an ankle monitor program — a step in the right direction. But she also said she feels the initiatives are just “damage control.”

“If more changes were made earlier, then a lot of this still could’ve been possibly prevented,” she said. 

In the wake of a recent protest against inhumane and squalid conditions in the jail, as well as a riot that resulted in the death of Breele Jahiem Johnson on June, 4, Platt views the county’s efforts as a “patchwork” to the issues. 

She says she hopes to see the initiatives move forward, noting an inmate advocate on the newly formed Macon Justice and Wellness Task Force is an “amazing idea.” Platt said she would be open to serving on the task force if asked. 

Among the mayor’s other initiatives is  a plan to expand the existing jail on Oglethorpe Street. Platt said she believes inmates should have a voice in whatever changes are being planned. 

“They’re human beings,” she said. “Talk to them.” 

The new jail reforms still don’t address how her son’s case was “swept up under the rug,” Platt said.  

Footage of the incident leading up to Fossett’s death was released, but Platt said she wants all other evidence to be made public as well. 

Although the Georgia Bureau of Investigation ruled her son’s death a homicide, Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard did not pursue criminal charges against the deputies involved in the tasing. 

Platt and her family have filed a civil suit against the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office but want the deputies involved to be placed on administrative leave while a grand jury determines whether they’re liable for Fossett’s death. 

“If they’re accused of committing a crime, let’s see if they’re liable for that crime,” Platt said. “The same as we are. They shouldn’t just work everyday, like nothing has happened.”

She said she believes that the ankle monitor program, which allows non-violent offenders to be released but requires they remain employed, would have made a difference in her son’s case. 

“I’m quite sure my son isn’t the first person that this happened to,” she said. “But I want it to be the last.”

One initiative Platt hopes will be implemented is the requirement of an immediate GBI investigation for every death involving a deputy. In Fossett’s case, the sheriff’s office did not call the GBI until later. 

Grief weighs heavy on Platt, who says she doesn’t feel like she’s doing enough, but will continue to fight for justice for Fossett and others.

“I feel like I’m just being a mother,” Platt said. “A mother that loves her child and lost her child.”