FORT WORTH, Texas — A family is demanding answers and accountability after their loved one, 31-year-old Anthony Johnson Jr., died while in custody at the Tarrant County Jail on Sunday morning.
The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office says Johnson died from a medical emergency after being pepper sprayed during a fight with officers in his cell. TSCO said detention officers said the fight occurred after officers approached Johnson’s cell and he allegedly refused to exit during a routine cell check for contraband.
Johnson’s sisters, Chanell and Janell Johnson told WFAA their brother, a Marine veteran, suffered from schizophrenia and tried to get help in the days leading up to his arrest.
“He was starting to get manic,” Chanell said.
The family told WFAA they have not received any specific information about his official cause of death or what occurred during the alleged fight.
“We need answers. Just tell us what happened,” Janell said.
Last Friday, Johnson was arrested by Saginaw police after police say he began wielding a knife at a motorist. According to police, Johnson attempted to run away but was caught and charged with possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence and evading arrest, according to officials.
Two days later, he was transported from the Tarrant County Jail to John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“This was our worst fear,” Janel said. “We’re just lost… empty. It’s not fair. There are so many people like my brother when it comes to mental health.”
Johnson marks the sixth inmate death at the jail this year, according to the Texas Attorney General's Office.
“Change needs to happen,” Chanell said.
On Tuesday, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office declined to answer any questions about Johnson’s death and referred WFAA to the Texas Dept. of Public Safety. Sheriff Bill Waybourn has requested the Texas Rangers to handle the investigation.
Texas DPS did not respond to WFAA’s request for information on the matter.
“Someone has to feel what we feel, so you can stop it,” Janell said.
Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons issued a statement Tuesday. In it, Simmons called for the U.S. Dept. of Justice to launch an investigation into Johnson’s death.
“I want accountability, I expect transparency and I want a full investigation into everything that occurred before, during and after the altercation and the subsequent death of Mr. Johnson in our jail, including video footage,” Simmons said in a statement.
Johnson’s family said they have more questions than answers, and they’ve been unable to see his body.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has not released his official cause of death.
“I can’t even grieve,” Chanell said. “We don’t know what happened, so how can we grieve?”