Tyler Perry, American actor, producer and founder of America’s biggest black-owned Studio, has announced that he’ll be requesting another autopsy on the death of his nephew who allegedly committed suicide in prison.
His nephew was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of his biological father. Tyler said he had thought the experience would shape the young man’s life for good and was waiting to offer him an opportunity, like others, with a career in the movie industry.
Tyler’s nephew, a 26-year-old Gavin Porter, was serving 20 years for the murder of his biological father at Union Parish Detention Center before his death.
However, the actor said he was shocked to hear that his nephew had committed suicide while in prison.
Perry said he is not entirely convinced that the nephew actually committed suicide while in prison, owing to the state of America’s prison system saying “our criminal justice system and prisons have been notorious for cover-ups and not getting things right.”
Perry said he believed his nephew would seek God’s forgiveness after serving his time and then come and work for him.
This is Perry’s full statement on the incident below:
“A few years ago my nephew committed a heinous crime – he shot his biological father and killed him just feet away from my sister over a senseless argument. The murder shook our entire family to its core.
“Despite his horrible act, before he went to prison I went to see him in the local jail. I assured him that we all still loved him, but it was important to all of us, including his mother, that he was punished for this horrific crime that he had committed. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
“Call me naive, but it was my hope that after serving his time, really reflecting, showing much remorse, and asking God for forgiveness, that he would have been able to come work for me. Where he would join all the other former inmates that work for me and turn his life around, just as they have. But that day will never come.
“Three days ago, I got the horrible news that he allegedly committed suicide in prison. I say allegedly because, unfortunately, our criminal justice system and prisons have been notorious for cover ups and or getting it wrong.
“With that in mind I have hired Dr. Michael Baden to do a second autopsy, and we are expecting the results soon.
“I want to be clear that we are not a family of conspiracy theorists, and we want to believe that there was no foul play, just as the sheriff has stated publicly.
“On behalf of me and my sister we thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, and we will have no further comments at this time.”
