CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – [Update 3:34 p.m.] The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed in a press release that they are investigating the death of Michael James Waller, Jr., 31, as requested by the Chatham Co. Sheriff’s Office. Waller was an inmate of the Chatham County Jail and a resident of Savannah.
On Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, around 10:30 p.m., Chatham County Jail staff said they observed Waller ingest an unknown substance. Staff said he was later moved to a separate cell for monitoring. Waller showed symptoms after a few hours. He was then taken to a local hospital for treatment, where he died.
GBI officials confirm Waller’s body will be taken to the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler for an autopsy. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review…