TARRANT COUNTY, Texas – Following the recent in-custody death at the Tarrant County Jail, Sheriff Bill Waybourn held a press conference to provide an update on the investigation. The incident, which resulted in the death of 31-year-old Anthony Ray Johnson Jr., has sparked calls for further scrutiny into the practices at the jail.

Sheriff’s Statement and Investigation

Sheriff Waybourn urged patience from the community as investigators delve into the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death. Johnson passed away after being pepper-sprayed during a confrontation with jailers when he refused to exit his cell for a search. The sheriff emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that all facts must be meticulously examined.

Notably, Johnson’s family revealed that he suffered from schizophrenia, shedding light on potential mental health considerations in his treatment. Prior to the incident leading to his arrest, Johnson’s family had attempted to secure private institutional care for him.

Calls for Investigation

The death of Anthony Ray Johnson Jr. is not an isolated incident within the Tarrant County Jail. Commissioner Alisa Simmons has called for a federal investigation into the handling of inmates following a string of five deaths since the beginning of the year.

Comparison with Other Counties

Releasing statistics on jail deaths from 2017 to 2023, Tarrant County’s figures were put into perspective in relation to other major Texas counties:

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

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Accountability

As concerns mount over the handling of inmates at the Tarrant County Jail, transparency and accountability are paramount. Sheriff Waybourn has pledged to ensure that all investigations are thorough and impartial. He affirmed that should any evidence of criminal or administrative wrongdoing arise, those responsible will be held accountable.

Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Justice

The recent in-custody death at the Tarrant County Jail has sparked justified concerns and calls for action. As investigations proceed, it is imperative that transparency is maintained and justice is served for Anthony Ray Johnson Jr. and others who have lost their lives while in custody. Moving forward, the community looks to law enforcement officials to uphold accountability and address systemic issues within the jail system.

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