Anthony Ray Johnson Jr. : “Tarrant County family demands jail accountability”

FORT WORTH — Just days after county medical examiner officials in Tarrant County determined that a man died from homicide while in custody, his family, accompanied by their attorney and community activists, gathered outside the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center to demand accountability and change.

During a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, they urged the county district attorney to prosecute all jail officials involved in the death of 31-year-old Anthony Ray Johnson Jr. Some members of the family also called for the resignation of the county sheriff, who oversees the jail, expressing hope that Johnson’s tragic death will not be in vain.

Johnson, a former Marine Corps veteran, tragically passed away on April 21 while in custody after an altercation with jailers during a contraband check. The Tarrant County medical examiner’s office recently concluded that his death was a result of homicide due to chemical and mechanical suffocation. Johnson’s death is part of a larger trend, with 63 people having died in the Tarrant County jail from 2017 to April of this year, sparking concerns about the facility’s operations.

Daryl Washington, the family’s legal representative, alongside Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons and Congressman Marc Veasey, have called for the U.S. Justice Department to conduct a comprehensive review of the jail. Following Johnson’s death, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn terminated a jailer, Rafael Moreno, and his supervisor, Lt. Joel Garcia, in May. However, both individuals were later reinstated and subsequently suspended.

The Texas Rangers and the sheriff’s office internal affairs unit are currently investigating Johnson’s untimely death. He had been in custody for two days prior to his passing and was arrested in Saginaw after an altercation where he allegedly brandished a knife at a motorist while standing in a roadway.

“To all those in Tarrant County who have loved ones with mental conditions or any issues and may find themselves in custody under Sheriff Waybourn’s administration – there is a real possibility that your loved one may not return home,” expressed Johnson’s father, Anthony Johnson Sr.

Outside the criminal justice center, members of Johnson’s family took turns addressing the crowd. Janell Johnson, his sister, called out Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare and Sheriff Waybourn, stating, “Tarrant County shows no regard for mentally disabled individuals, especially veterans and Black individuals.” Janell Johnson was escorted out of a county commissioners’ court meeting the previous week at O’Hare’s request.

Johnson Sr. urged people to put themselves in his son’s shoes and see if there is any sense of accountability. Others stood in solidarity with raised fists.

Even Johnson’s 10-year-old nephew, Corbin, spoke out. With Washington by his side, he voiced that his uncle “should not have lost his life in such a manner.”

A video released to the public last month depicted multiple jailers surrounding Johnson as he pleaded that he couldn’t breathe while being handcuffed. One jailer, later identified as Moreno, was seen kneeling on Johnson for approximately 90 seconds.

Washington highlighted that apart from Moreno and Garcia, there were five other individuals who stood by and did nothing during the incident. He expressed concerns about the safety of individuals held within the facility.

“The majority of the individuals inside the facility have not had their day in court,” Washington stated. “It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure their well-being.”

Washington and other family members have viewed an extended video that has not been made public, which reportedly reveals further neglect in Johnson’s care. Washington alleged that the extended footage, around 14 minutes long, shows a continuous mistreatment of Johnson leading up to his demise. Johnson’s mother and sisters reportedly watched the video during a private meeting at the district attorney’s office, according to Washington.

“The video shows medical professionals who were indifferent and did not realize that Anthony was taking his last breaths,” shared Washington.

Washington also stated that medical personnel should be held accountable for their failure to provide adequate care to Johnson.

Commissioner Simmons recently called on the county sheriff to release all remaining video footage of Johnson’s death to commissioners’ court members before making it public. She emphasized that every individual involved in Johnson’s tragic passing should be held responsible, noting that Sheriff Waybourn bears ultimate responsibility for the incident.

Washington underscored the role of pepper spray in Johnson’s death, alleging that a jail employee sprayed pepper spray into Anthony’s mouth. The sheriff’s office claimed that the presence of methamphetamine contributed to Johnson’s demise, alongside the use of pepper spray, resulting in chemical asphyxiation.

Washington refuted the sheriff’s office’s assertion regarding the presence of methamphetamine, stating that it was an unsupported claim.

‘Advocating for Change’

As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with Johnson’s death. Randall Moore, representing Garcia, has voiced concerns that his client would not receive a fair trial due to inflammatory remarks made in the media. Moore maintains that Garcia is not responsible for Johnson’s passing.

Moore recently released a timeline of events demonstrating Garcia’s limited involvement in the incident. He issued this response to Washington’s allegations that Johnson’s death was a deliberate act.

“I will not allow my client to be unfairly charged, convicted, and condemned in the media,” stated Moore.

Moreno’s legal counsel did not respond to requests for comments when contacted by phone.

Sheriff Waybourn mentioned that Garcia was terminated because he failed to respond promptly to the situation and made missteps in providing medical assistance to Johnson. Moreno was dismissed for using excessive force by kneeling on Johnson while he was already restrained.

Moore refuted Waybourn’s claims that Garcia delayed seeking medical aid, affirming that his client acted swiftly and in accordance with the sheriff’s office’s policies upon realizing something was amiss.

It remains uncertain whether the two suspended jail staff members, among a total of twelve individuals present during the incident, will face legal charges. Washington expressed hope that indictments would be handed down by the end of the month.

“This isn’t just about Anthony, as we can’t bring him back,” remarked Washington. “This is about advocating for change. This family, above all else, wants to witness transformation within the Tarrant County jail system.”

‘A Troubling Pattern of Incidents’

Congressman Veasey recently announced in a press release that he had written to Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Justice Department, urging an investigation into the series of inmate deaths and incidents at the Tarrant County jail. Veasey followed up with the Justice Department after the sheriff’s office reported another inmate death in late May.

In his letter, Veasey highlighted at least three deaths this year that appeared to be part of a larger pattern of negligence and mismanagement within the Tarrant County Jail.

In light of these revelations, Veasey stressed that only a thorough investigation into the troubling sequence of deaths at the facility could restore accountability.

Washington emphasized that the family does not wish to see the number of deaths at the facility rise any further but fears that without intervention, the trend will continue.

“Under Waybourn’s leadership, we have witnessed over 60 deaths,” reflected Washington. “What is the acceptable standard?”

Standing before the press, Anthony Johnson Sr., Johnson’s father, expressed his desire for the extended video to be released to the public, leaving one word for viewers to remember: “inhumane.”