Tarrant County jail inmate death by suffocation ruled as homicide
Tarrant County jail inmate suffocation death ruled as homicide.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A recent report from the Tarrant County medical examiner has determined that the death of an inmate at the Tarrant County jail in April was a homicide resulting from chemical and mechanical suffocation.
Anthony Johnson Jr., aged 31, passed away just before 10 a.m. on April 21. Initially, the Tarrant County sheriff’s office stated that Johnson died due to a “medical emergency” after he refused to leave his cell during a contraband check and engaged in a physical altercation with jailers, who resorted to using pepper spray to subdue him. Johnson’s tragic death is one of 63 that have occurred within the Tarrant County jail since 2017, prompting increased scrutiny into the operations at the facility.
Daryl Washington, the attorney representing Johnson’s family, expressed that the medical examiner’s report confirmed what the family believed was evident from the video footage. Washington also highlighted the “unjustified” use of pepper spray as a contributing factor to Johnson’s demise.
Legal Ramifications
“We witnessed firsthand how Anthony was restrained, pepper sprayed, and subjected to the pain of jailer Rafael Moreno’s knee on him for over 90 seconds, with other jailers assisting, while Lt. Joe Garcia and others looked on,” Washington stated. “In his final moments, Anthony pleaded for help, stating he couldn’t breathe.”
Following the release of a video last month, which depicted Johnson struggling to breathe while being restrained by jailers, Washington affirmed that an extended unreleased video further showcased the “inhumane treatment” Johnson endured. Washington categorically labelled Johnson’s death as a murder.
The Tarrant County medical examiner’s report officially classified the death as a homicide caused by chemical and mechanical asphyxiation. Chemical asphyxiation is induced by the presence of substances, such as those found in pepper spray, that obstruct the intake of oxygen, while mechanical asphyxiation occurs when external force impedes normal breathing.
Jailers’ Actions and Reinstatement
Both Moreno and Garcia were dismissed from their positions in May but were subsequently reinstated and suspended without pay shortly after. Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn cited their failure to adhere to training protocols and delays in seeking medical attention for Johnson as the primary reasons for their termination.
Washington affirmed, “The individuals involved in Anthony’s death must be held accountable, charged, and prosecuted. Today’s ruling is just the beginning, and we will persist until justice is served.”
It remains uncertain whether the involved jailers will face criminal charges in light of the examiner’s findings.
Community Outcry and Accountability
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons expressed her sorrow over the ruling but emphasised the necessity for accountability across all parties involved. She placed ultimate responsibility on Sheriff Waybourn for the tragic incident and called for charges to be filed against detention officers, supervisors, and medical personnel implicated in the events.
Simmons further demanded the release of all remaining footage related to the incident and announced plans to meet with the U.S. Department of Justice in the coming week.
The Tarrant County sheriff’s office attributed the chemical asphyxiation to the use of pepper spray and the presence of methamphetamine in Johnson’s system. The case remains under investigation by both the Texas Rangers and the sheriff’s office internal affairs unit.
Waybourn stated, “Despite the political theatrics, the truth will prevail, and all substantiated facts will be presented in the pursuit of justice.”
Background of the Deceased
Johnson, a former Marine diagnosed with schizophrenia, was arrested two days prior to his death for allegedly brandishing a knife at a motorist while standing in the road. He faced charges of possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest.
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-Tarrant County jail inmate death ruled homicide suffocation
-Tarrant County jail inmate suffocation ruling homicide.
