Anthony Johnson Jr. : Tarrant County Sheriff Responds to Recent Jail Death: Updates and Investigation Underway

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Tarrant County Sheriff Jail Death
2. Tarrant County Jail Facility Fatality

Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn addressed a “horrific” in-custody death at the county jail, where two individuals died from medical emergencies in four days. The recent incident involved an incarcerated person, Anthony Johnson Jr., who died after a fight with detention officers during a routine cell check. The use of pepper spray led to Johnson becoming unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead shortly after. Johnson’s family described him as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a mental health illness. Waybourn emphasized the ongoing investigations by the Texas Rangers and the sheriff’s office. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner is still determining the cause and manner of death.

Tragic Incident at Tarrant County Jail

The Tarrant County Sheriff, Bill Waybourn, has described a recent in-custody death at the county jail as “horrific.” This heartbreaking event comes after two individuals lost their lives in a span of just four days, both due to medical emergencies.

Details of the Incident

On the morning of April 21, tragedy struck when an incarcerated individual, Anthony Johnson Jr., passed away at a medical facility following a confrontation with detention officers during a routine cell check. Johnson, aged 31, had been involved in a fight with officers and was subdued using oleoresin capsicum spray. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 a.m.

Johnson had only been at the Tarrant County jail since the previous day, having been arrested for allegedly wielding a knife at a driver while standing in the roadway. His family has described him as a gentle soul with a history of mental health issues, emphasizing the need for better mental health support within the criminal justice system.

Investigations Underway

In response to this tragic event, the Texas Rangers are leading a criminal investigation, while the sheriff’s office is conducting an internal affairs probe. Sheriff Waybourn has assured the public that the truth will come to light, and those responsible will be held accountable, whether criminally or administratively.

Community Outcry

The deaths at the Tarrant County jail have sparked outrage in the community, with calls for a thorough investigation. Alisa Simmons, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner, has urged the U.S. Department of Justice to look into the circumstances surrounding these fatalities.

The families of the deceased are grieving and seeking answers. Sheriff Waybourn has expressed his condolences and assured them that efforts are being made to provide clarity on the events leading to the tragic outcomes.

Pending Investigations

The cause and manner of each death remain pending on the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s website. With ongoing investigations and a commitment to transparency, authorities aim to uncover the truth behind these distressing incidents.

Previous Cases

Notably, the Tarrant County jail has seen a number of deaths classified under various categories since 2017, including natural/medical causes, COVID-related deaths, suicides, and more. Each case highlights the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in ensuring the well-being of individuals in custody.

As the investigations continue and the community mourns the loss of lives, the focus remains on seeking justice and accountability for those affected by these tragic events.