Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Tarrant County sheriff resignation
2. Jail death video controversy
Critics are calling for the resignation of Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn after a video was released showing an altercation in jail that led to a detainee’s death. The incident resulted in the firing of two jailers for violating department policy. Commissioner Alisa Simmons questioned Waybourn’s leadership, citing the high number of in-custody deaths during his tenure. Over 60 people have died in county custody since Waybourn took office in 2017. The video shows a detainee, Anthony Johnson Jr., being restrained by jailers, with one kneeling on his back for over a minute despite Johnson saying “I can’t breathe.” Waybourn deemed the tactic a violation of office policies and took action against the jailers involved.
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Controversy Surrounding Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn
Critics have called for the resignation of Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn after a disturbing video emerged showing an altercation in the county jail that resulted in the death of a detainee. The incident, which took place last month, has sparked outrage and raised questions about the sheriff’s leadership.
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Call for Resignation
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons led the charge in demanding Waybourn’s resignation, citing the growing number of in-custody jail deaths under his watch. Simmons expressed concerns about Waybourn’s ability to lead effectively and called for someone more attentive and responsible to take his place.
Violations of Department Policy
The video in question shows an altercation between corrections officers and detainee Anthony Johnson Jr. In the footage, Johnson can be heard saying, “I can’t breathe,” as he is restrained by the officers. Waybourn confirmed that the actions of the officers, Rafael Moreno and Lt. Joel Garcia, violated department policy and led to their termination.
Previous Incidents
Since taking office in 2017, Waybourn has faced criticism for the high number of deaths in county custody. More than 60 individuals have died while in the county jail, raising concerns about the sheriff’s handling of the situation and the overall safety of detainees.
Response from Waybourn
KERA News reached out to Waybourn for comment, but as of now, there has been no response from the sheriff. It remains to be seen how he will address the calls for his resignation and the concerns raised by Commissioner Simmons and others.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement. As the community demands answers and justice for the deceased detainee, all eyes are on Waybourn to see how he will address the situation and ensure the safety of those in county custody.
Got a tip? Email Miranda Suarez at msuarez@kera.org. You can follow Miranda on Twitter @MirandaRSuarez.
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