Sheriff Bill Waybourn of Tarrant County, Texas, has provided an update on the investigation into the recent in-custody death at the Tarrant County Jail. The incident involves the death of 31-year-old Anthony Ray Johnson Jr., who died after a confrontation with jailers that resulted in him being pepper-sprayed.

Circumstances Surrounding the Incident

Johnson’s death occurred after he resisted exiting his cell and engaging in a physical altercation with officers, prompting the use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray to subdue him. The altercation left a detention officer injured. Johnson had been arrested in Saginaw for allegedly threatening a driver with a knife just days before his death.

Sheriff’s Call for Patience

Sheriff Waybourn has urged the community to exercise patience as investigations continue. He emphasized the need to thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident to ensure that all facts are uncovered. Waybourn assured the public that if any criminal or administrative wrongdoing is found, those responsible will be held accountable.

Mental Health Concerns

Johnson’s family revealed that he struggled with schizophrenia, and they had attempted to secure private institutional care for him prior to his altercation with law enforcement. This aspect underscores broader concerns about the treatment of individuals with mental health issues within the criminal justice system.

Growing Calls for Investigation

The recent death at the Tarrant County Jail has sparked calls for a broader investigation into the practices and conditions within the facility. Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons has called on the Department of Justice to intervene following a series of five inmate deaths since the beginning of the year.

Comparison with Other Counties

In response to mounting concerns, Tarrant County released data on jail deaths in major Texas counties from 2017 to 2023. The statistics reveal the following figures:

• Tarrant: 58
• Dallas: 56
• Harris: 112
• Bexar: 78
• Travis: 27
• El Paso: 43

These numbers provide context to the scale of the issue and highlight the need for a comprehensive review of jail operations and inmate care practices.

Conclusion: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

The death of Anthony Ray Johnson Jr. in the Tarrant County Jail underscores the importance of thorough investigations and accountability within the criminal justice system. As inquiries into the incident continue, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize transparency and ensure that all parties involved are held responsible for their actions. The calls for broader investigations reflect a growing recognition of the need to address systemic issues and safeguard the rights and well-being of individuals in custody.

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