Overview of the Incident

Anthony Johnson, Jr. tragically lost his life on April 21, 2024, during an altercation with jail personnel at Tarrant County Jail. This incident has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against the county and several corrections officers.

Commissioners’ Vote

The court’s decision to hire outside counsel was narrowly passed by a 3-2 vote, providing legal representation for JaQuavious Simmons, one of the deputies involved in the incident. Opposition to the motion came from Commissioners Roderick Miles and Alisa Simmons.

Details of the Allegations

According to court documents, Deputy Simmons played a critical role in the controversial actions that involved spraying pepper spray directly into Johnson’s mouth, which resulted in choking and difficulty breathing. Following this incident, Simmons will be represented by attorney Mark Goldstucker, whose fees are noted to be $300 per hour, although he aims to manage costs within the $30,000 budget.

Community Reactions and Concerns

Emotional testimonies were offered during the court meeting, with Anthony Johnson, Sr., the victim’s father, expressing profound distress regarding the circumstances of his son’s death. He urged the commissioners to reconsider their decision, illustrating the trauma experienced by the family:

“Trapped in the moments of my mind are my son’s last moments and those last minutes. It’s horrific,” stated Anthony Johnson, Sr.

Additionally, community members voiced their opposition, urging the court to act with integrity and respect the family’s suffering.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Details

The Johnson family has filed a lawsuit alleging the unconstitutional use of force, inadequate training of jail staff, and failure to render medical assistance, asserting that these actions led directly to the tragic death of their son. While a U.S. District Court dismissed claims against Tarrant County and six jail personnel, the case persists against those directly responsible for Johnson’s death.

Incident Recap

The circumstances leading to Johnson’s death involved a struggle with corrections officers during a standard contraband check. Reports indicate that after the application of pepper spray, Johnson was restrained on the ground, where he repeatedly expressed his inability to breathe before passing away.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ultimately ruled Johnson’s death a homicide, citing mechanical and chemical asphyxia, with the presence of methamphetamine also contributing to the fatality.