At memorial service, DFW family promises accountability

Family and friends remembered Anthony Ray Johnson, Jr., as a sincere individual who always had a bright smile on his face. Despite battling schizophrenia, he was described as a loving brother who frequently penned letters to his older sister and nephew.

During his funeral and memorial service, his sister Janell Johnson read aloud one of the heartfelt letters he had written to his nephew on his sixth birthday, expressing his aspirations for the young boy and acknowledging his own personal growth through the experience of being an uncle.

Tragically, just a week prior to the funeral, the family watched footage leading up to Johnson’s death. Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn stated that detention officers were conducting a routine cell check when Johnson reportedly lunged at one of them, resulting in a confrontation. Video footage shows Johnson being pinned down by officers, during which he can be heard saying, “I can’t breathe.” Despite resuscitation attempts, Johnson, a 31-year-old Marine, passed away on April 21.

Following the incident, Officer Rafael Moreno and Lt. Joe Garcia were initially terminated for their involvement. However, on the eve of Johnson’s funeral, they were reinstated on administrative leave due to potential procedural issues. The Johnson family’s attorney, Daryl Washington, demanded further action, including criminal prosecution of all involved parties and the release of the full video footage to the public.

Additionally, the family advocated for new policies in Johnson’s name, requiring law enforcement to provide incident videos to victims’ families within 48 hours of a loved one’s death and releasing them to the public within 72 hours.

Craig Jennings, Johnson’s half-brother, expressed profound grief and frustration over the failure of the mental health and criminal justice systems to support his brother. Despite the challenges posed by Johnson’s illness, Jennings emphasized their enduring bond and vowed to seek accountability for his brother’s death.

As the family bid farewell to Johnson, they pledged to ensure that his death would not be in vain, advocating for justice and accountability in his memory.