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  • Axios Dallas

    Tarrant County jail death led to murder charges

    By Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi,

    8 days ago

    The Tarrant County jail is facing scrutiny over the death of a 31-year-old inmate in April.

    • The medical examiner ruled Anthony Johnson Jr.'s death a homicide after determining it was caused by asphyxiation.

    Why it matters: More than 60 people have died in county custody since Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn took office in 2017, sparking calls for him to step down, per KERA .

    • Waybourn has said Johnson's treatment went against training and policy.

    What happened: Johnson was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, evidence tampering and evading arrest a few days before his death, per the Star-Telegram .

    • Authorities have said Johnson was pepper sprayed and handcuffed after refusing to leave his cell for a contraband search.
    • Video shows jailer Rafael Moreno Jr. kneeling on the handcuffed man for about 90 seconds, per the Star-Telegram. Johnson, with officers surrounding him, can be heard saying he can't breathe.
    • The Tarrant County medical examiner's office later ruled the death a homicide. That paved the way for murder charges against Moreno and his supervisor, Lt. Joel Garcia.

    The latest: Moreno and Garcia were indicted on murder charges late last month and fired from their jobs last week.

    Between the lines: Johnson was a marine veteran with schizophrenia, his family told the Star-Telegram . He was turned away from a mental health facility the day he was arrested.

    Zoom out: Johnson's death was the Tarrant County jail's second in-custody death within a week.

    • Roderick Johnson, of Fort Worth, was found unresponsive in his cell on April 18. The death was ruled accidental, caused by fentanyl and trazodone poisoning. Authorities haven't explained how he got access to the substances.

    What's next: Anthony Johnson's family is calling for full video of the moments before and after his death to be released, along with more charges.

    • Their lawyer has said they also plan to file a civil lawsuit.
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