In April, 31-year-old Anthony Johnson died while in custody at the Tarrant County Jail. Today, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide, revealing that Johnson died from asphyxiation.
Previously, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office reported that Johnson was found unresponsive in his cell on April 21 after an altercation with jailers.
According to officials, jail staff used pepper spray to subdue Johnson when he refused to come out of his cell for a search. Johnson was subsequently taken to JPS Hospital in Fort Worth, where he was pronounced dead.
Johnson, who was arrested by Saginaw police for allegedly standing in the street and waving a knife at drivers, was a Marine veteran and had schizophrenia, according to his family.
Following his death, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office fired two jail staffers.
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons has called for the release of video footage showing the altercation that preceded Johnson’s death.
Johnson’s death is one of 60 inmate fatalities at the Tarrant County Jail since 2017.
Concerns about transparency within the sheriff’s office have been raised by officials, including Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez, who criticized the office for its lack of communication with the public regarding critical incidents.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube