In a recent incident at the Tarrant County Jail, two correction officers have been terminated after a struggle with an inmate resulted in the death of 31-year-old Anthony Ray Johnson, Jr. The incident, which occurred during a routine contraband check, was captured on video and has sparked investigations into the conduct of the officers involved.

Details of the Incident

Anthony Ray Johnson, Jr. died on April 21 while in custody at the Tarrant County Jail after a confrontation with correction officers during a routine cell check. Video footage released by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office depicts a struggle between Johnson and the officers, during which one of the fired jailers, Rafael Moreno, is seen kneeling on Johnson’s back while he was restrained. Sheriff Bill Waybourn stated that this action was not in accordance with department policies, emphasizing that proper procedures were not followed during the altercation.

Actions Taken by the Sheriff

Following Johnson’s death, Sheriff Waybourn made the decision to terminate Rafael Moreno and Joe Garcia, the two officers involved in the incident. Additionally, Lieutenant Joe Garcia, who was supervising during the altercation, was also fired for his handling of the situation, which included a delay in providing Johnson with medical care. Sheriff Waybourn stressed that accountability is paramount and vowed to hold anyone found to be at fault accountable for their actions.

Response from the Family and Legal Representation

Johnson’s family, represented by the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), has called for transparency in the investigation and the release of the video footage of the incident. They emphasize the importance of accountability for any misconduct leading to Johnson’s death. The family has expressed concerns about the handling of the situation and hopes for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is conducting an investigation to determine if any criminal behavior occurred during the incident. The medical examiner’s report, which is expected to shed light on the cause of Johnson’s death, is still pending. Meanwhile, CLEAT plans to appeal the termination of the fired jailers, citing the need for further investigation before definitive actions are taken.

Background and Previous Incidents

Anthony Ray Johnson, Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was initially arrested for drug possession and evading arrest in Saginaw. His death marks the fifth inmate fatality at the Tarrant County Jail this year, raising concerns about the safety and management of the facility. Previous incidents have highlighted the need for accountability and reform within the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Conclusion: Ensuring Accountability and Reform

The death of Anthony Ray Johnson, Jr. at the Tarrant County Jail underscores the importance of accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies. As investigations into the incident continue, it is imperative that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. Transparency and thoroughness in the investigative process are crucial in addressing the concerns raised by Johnson’s family and the public. Moving forward, efforts to improve training, oversight, and inmate safety must be prioritized to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

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