Family calls for change after Fort Worth man dies in Tarrant County jail

A Fort Worth family is demanding change at the Tarrant County jail following the death of their loved one in custody on Sunday.

According to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, 31-year-old inmate Anthony Johnson passed away after being pepper sprayed during a confrontation with officers in his cell Sunday morning. Johnson’s death marks the second inmate fatality at the jail in less than a week and the fifth this year, bringing the total number of inmate deaths at the Tarrant jail since 2017 to over 60.

In an emotional interview, Johnson’s sisters, Chanell and Janell, described Anthony as an inspirational figure. A US Marine Corps veteran, Anthony, known as AJ, was described as intelligent, loving, and motivated by his sisters.

Anthony suffered from schizophrenia and was arrested on Friday by Saginaw police for standing in the street and wielding a knife at drivers. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest before being booked into the Tarrant County jail.

The family was informed of Johnson’s death on Sunday morning by the chaplain and two sheriffs, who visited their home. However, they were provided with few details about the circumstances leading to Johnson’s death, with the Texas Rangers investigating the incident, a process that could take up to four months.

Frustrated by the lack of information, the family voiced concerns about the sheriff’s office’s handling of the situation and the procedures surrounding Johnson’s death. They highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, questioning why they couldn’t see Johnson’s body to confirm his identity.

Later, the family learned from a news report that Johnson had refused to leave his cell for a contraband check and was pepper sprayed during a confrontation with officers, resulting in a medical emergency. However, the specifics of the medical emergency were not disclosed.

Johnson’s family believes that his death could have been prevented and is calling for changes to be made to the procedures at the Tarrant County jail. They emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health needs of inmates and ensuring their safety while in custody.

In response to the family’s concerns, Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons issued a statement expressing her intention to seek an investigation by the United States Department of Justice into the ongoing issue of inmate deaths at Tarrant County jail facilities. She stressed the need for accountability, transparency, and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.