Tyler Perry‘s nephew, Gavin Porter has killed himself in prison and family members are suspicious of foul play.
The 26-year-old was found dead in his cell on Tuesday night, at a prison facility near St. Helena Parish in Louisiana, according to TMZ.
Prison officials told the filmmaker’s family that the deceased hanged himself with a bed-sheet while in solitary confinement. It was gathered that Porter was placed in solitary confinement after getting into a fight with another inmate of the correctional facility last weekend.
When checked on by 6pm, the prison officials found nothing of concern. He was however found dead after the guards came back by 8pm.
Porter‘s immediate family, which includes his mother, who is Perry‘s sister, were told that there was no suspicious activity that contributed to his death. However, they have their doubts. An investigation is already underway with Porter‘s body being sent to Arkansas for an autopsy.
Gavin Porter was found guilty of shooting and killing his biological father in 2016, in front of his mother. The incident reportedly occurred after they got into an argument. He pled no contest to manslaughter and was sentenced to 20 years.
Tyler Perry, the movie mogul
Tyler Perry is one of the most celebrated American actors, filmmaker and comedian of all times. He is also one of the highest earning entertainers in the world today. Perry has a number of movies under his belt including the “Madea” series.
In October 2019, the movie mogul opened his massive new film studio in Atlanta.
Unveiling the new Tyler Perry Studios at a black-tie gala, Perry said he will not only celebrate his studio but the Hollywood figures like Cicely Tyson, Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington who inspired him.
The $250 million studio is the only major film studio in the nation owned by an African American. A 134-hectare (330-acre) studio, one of the largest in the US, on land that once served as a Confederate army base.