TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — The family of Anthony Johnson renewed their call for accountability during Tuesday's Tarrant County Commissioner's Court public meeting.
Johnson is the latest person who died in custody at the Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth. During the public comment session, his mother and sisters told commissioners they still don't know the exact details about his death late last month.
Jacquelyne Johnson said it's been difficult to accept her son's death.
"The officer that approached him, was he certified to deal with someone with mental illness? Probably not, because he's probably making just probably a little bit more than minimum wage. So there's a lot of failures here," Jacquelyne said.
Johnson's family shared photos of the 31-year-old marine veteran, who they admit suffered from schizophrenia. But they argue authorities knew about his illness and failed to take care of him while in custody.
"My brother was murdered. Because that's what it was. That's how you guys treat inmates. How do you treat people with mental illnesses here in Tarrant County," said Chanell Johnson.
Johnson became unresponsive during an altercation with detention officers during cell checks for contraband, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. When detention officers approached Johnson’s cell, he refused to exit and began to fight officers who used pepper spray, to subdue Johnson. He was later pronounced dead at JPS Hospital.
Johnson's family says they sought help for him days before his arrest. They're calling for a federal investigation into his death and accountability from Tarrant County leaders.
Commissioner Alisa Simmons reportedly asked the Tarrant County Sheriff to be at Tuesday's commissioner's meeting to give an update on Johnson's death. However, the sheriff did not attend. Instead, a county administrator read the sheriff's previous press releases about Johnson's death. No further information was given on the investigation.
"Again, we're trying to fight for that footage because the footage is on to tell the truth. And so at the end of the day, we just want the truth. And we want the ones who killed my brother held accountable, prosecuted," said Chanell.
Johnson's family told WFAA they have still not been able to view Anthony's body. Their speeches come as commissioners weigh how to fund mental health service programs at the Tarrant County Jail, which has been tabled for now.
The Johnson family has obtained an attorney to help them learn more about his death.
Editor's note: After its initial publishing, this story was edited to further clarify that it was county administrator who read the Sheriff's Office's statement at Tuesday's commissioner's court meeting. The Sheriff did not appear in court, nor did he send a representative.
