Family of Tarrant inmate killed in jail reacts to indictment of two jailers for murder

The family of Anthony Johnson Jr., who died in Tarrant County Jail, is responding to the indictment of two jailers for his murder.

Anthony Johnson Jr. passed away on April 21 following an incident where a Tarrant County detention officer was seen placing his knee on Johnson’s back in a video showing his detainment.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office subsequently classified Johnson’s death as a homicide. However, his family believes the current indictments do not address the full extent of the issue.

Public outrage persists over the deaths of inmates at Tarrant County Jail, where at least 65 individuals have died in custody since 2017, ranking it the third-highest county for inmate deaths in Texas during that period, according to data from the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. The recent death of Anthony Johnson Jr. has sparked widespread outcry.

“This case underscores a significant systemic issue in Tarrant County that needs to be exposed,” said Daryl Washington, the family’s attorney. “The indictments are a step forward, but they do not fully address the underlying problems.”

On Tuesday, family members of Anthony Johnson Jr. and activists gathered at the Tarrant County administration building for a press conference in response to the murder indictments handed down against a jailer and supervisor involved in Johnson’s death.

“The news of these indictments has been incredibly painful for the family,” Washington stated. “It feels like we are reliving Anthony’s passing all over again.”

Johnson died following a struggle inside the Tarrant County Jail, initially reported by the sheriff’s office as a medical emergency resulting from pepper spray use. Subsequent video footage released by the sheriff’s office depicted a jailer restraining Johnson with his knee on Johnson’s back, surrounded by other officers.

Following an autopsy, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Johnson’s death resulted from physical and chemical suffocation.

Detention officer Rafael Moreno and supervisor Lt. Joel Garcia have been indicted on murder charges in connection with Johnson’s death.

“If you replace AJ with your own loved one in that video, you would understand why we have insisted on transparency and the release of the full video,” said Anthony Johnson Sr.

While acknowledging the significance of the charges against the two jailers, the family emphasized the need for further action. They have demanded the release of the complete video footage of the fatal incident, alleging that it reveals additional instances of mistreatment by other officers and medical staff against Johnson.

Additionally, the family called for the resignation of Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, asserting their commitment to effecting change.

“We are no longer asking for change. We are demanding it,” said Janell Johnson. “We will work tirelessly with our leaders to ensure accountability and reform.”

NBC 5 contacted the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office regarding calls for Sheriff Waybourn’s resignation and the release of the full video footage.

“The Sheriff has stated he has no intention to resign,” a TCSO spokesperson responded. “According to TCSO standards, we do not release images (still or video) of deceased or unresponsive individuals. Further inquiries about the investigation or video should be directed to the Texas Department of Public Safety, and questions regarding criminal charges should be referred to the Texas Rangers.”

NBC 5 also reached out to attorneys representing Moreno and Garcia for their response to the murder indictments, awaiting further comment.