72 Jail Deaths
under the current administration
as of May 2025
This is three times the National Average (per the request by Texas A & M Law School to the Department of Justice to investigate). According to a lawsuit filed in July 2024 by Civil Rights lawyer Ben Crump, there are 145 deaths under the current administration. That means the deaths are several times the national average - perhaps as high as seven times more. This is due in part to overcrowding because people are being left in jail that should never have been in jail (low level, nonviolent offenses where the maximum sentence is a fine, and that should have been diverted,. . .) and allow people to languish in jail twice the length of their sentence on average.
Many cases involve abuse and neglect. One was designated by the medical examiner's office as a homicide by jailers.
See this request that the Department of Justice investigate:
Many cases involve abuse and neglect. One was designated by the medical examiner's office as a homicide by jailers.
See this request that the Department of Justice investigate:
Baby Zenorah born in the jail
This is her first Photograph. Her last photograph was an autopsy photograph taken a few days later.
Cost - $1.2 million of your money.
End the suffering and deaths and millions of your tax dollars in lawsuits from the Tarrant Jail under the current administration.
(Sheriff and Judges, not doing their jobs).
A sentence to the Tarrant County Jail should not be a death sentence but it has been for these 60+ citizens of Tarrant County. Including Baby Zenorah who laid between her mother's legs for 40 minutes after her birth with jailers stationed just outside her cell door. Actions of the Tarrant County Jail employees resulted in the largest lawsuit in Tarrant County history 1.2 million dollars.
Judges must move the cases faster. The mother of Zenorah had committed no crime, yet she was in jail five months without a single court date.
Georgia Kay Baldwin and at least two others died in the jail from thirst. Her lawsuit cost taxpayers $750,000.
Deaths are due in part to judges not moving the cases timely. Stop the suffering, vote for local Democratic Candidates.
Name Year of Death
1.Billy LaRae Freeland 2017
2. Robert Thomas Renfrow 12/22/2018
3.Clinton Don Simpson 11/7/2018 (homicide)
4.Jennifer Lynn Espinoza 1/17/2019 (family told brain aneurysm but Crump lawsuit says heroin overdose)
5.Derick Lee Wynn 4/5/2019 (accident)
6.Southany Khiengsombath 7/26/2019
7.Robert Miller (7/23/19) 8/1/2019 (pepper-spray death, official cause of death is listed as "sickle cell disease", but he did not have the disease) This is the case for which Pastor Ryon Price was banned from Commissioner's Court for speaking about.
8.Jackson Lee Murphy 8/31/2019
9.Ricky Farmer 2/26/2020
10.Willie Goode 3/4/2020
11.Dean Ray Stewart 4/26/2020 (suicide)(lawsuit settled for $400,000)
12.Jose Manuel Rivera 5/23/2020
13.Javonte Myers 6/19/2020 (medical neglect) lawsuit settled $1 million
14.Jason Glendon Martin 6/24/2020
15.Abdullahi Mohamed 6/25/2020 (Dehydration/thirst)
16.Dalanna Price 9/9/2020
17.Andre Wilson 9/14/2020
18.Dale Garland Thompson 9/28/2020
19.Rory Johnson 11/9/2020
20.Kennie Leroy Craven 11/10/2020
21.Nancy Lynn Nielsen 12/7/2020
22.Dextouri Loaymayant Williams 12/9/2020
23.Lee D Haney 12/19/2020
24.Jared Daniel Chapman 12/22/2020
25.Ross Harold Brewer 12/28/2020
26.Z.C.H. (Zenorah) 5/27/2020 (A baby born in the jail)(Lawsuit cost 1.2 million)
27.Cedric Teal 1/2/2021
28.Bebo Hernandez Garcia 2/15/2021
29.Timothy Matthew Rasor 2/22/2021 (accident)
30.Ellison Monroe Mccurdy 2/28/2021
31.Deanthony Levaile Taylor 3/21/2021
32.Jeffrey Wayne Buchanan 7/20/2021
33.Jeremiah Noble 8/18/2021 (suicide)
34.Tyler Huffman 9/10/2021
35.Georgia Kay Baldwin 9/14/2021 (Dehydration/thirst)Her lawsuit cost taxpayers $750,000
36.Ismael Martinez 10/01/2021
37.Harvey Greenwald 10/2/2021
38.Jamie Russell 10/6/2021
39.Leon Jacobs 10/30/2021
40.Alvie Johnson Jr. 1/3/2022 (accident)
41.James New 2/19/2022
42.Edgar Villatoro-Alvarez 2/25/2022 40 years of age (Dehydration/thirst)
43.Oh Young Park 6/17/2022 (suicide)
44.Thomas Simpkins 6/28/2022
45.Trelynn Wormley 7/20/2022 (accident)
46.Richard Marta 8/27/2022
47.Lyonel Mitchell 9/14/2022
48.Kenneth Ray Perry 9/29/2022
49.Kelvin Brown 11/8/2022
50.Antonio Deluca 11/16/2022
51.George William Zink 2/15/2023
52.Heidiann Gitts 3/20/2023 (accident)
53.Jason Levar Jackson 3/23/2023 (accident, family not told of death for 6 mo, told he was in rehab, body given to science)
54.Adrian Chevez 6/24/2023
55.JoAnn Lemmons 6/27/2023 b/f (pending)(family member told me she had evidence of being beaten on her body)
56.Derreal Jackson 8/2/2023 b/m (accident)(mother at Commissioners Court 5/8/24 said he died of torn liver and had signs of a beating, his skin was torn from his arms, he had black eyes, broken ribs, puncture wound in his back, laid in cell 16 hours dying. Also, he was arrested on July 31, 2023 and died 8/2/23. The mother says the death certificate indicates (and the Star Telegram Reported) that he died from a fentanyl overdose - 3 days after the arrest.
57.Linda Carol York 8/14/2023 w/f
58.William Burns 9/16/2023
59.Clyde K Alexander 11/8/2023
60. Carlos Rodriguez Munoz 11/20/2023 (Garza Co)
61.Russell Qualls 1/9/2024 Ruled "accident" - he had been in jail a year but Medical Examiner's report says death was caused by fentanyl. How did fentanyl get in the jail?
62.Harold Kent Roberts 2/14/2024 b/m after being held as incompetent for 4 years, died one week after competency restored and still in jail (cause of death pending)
63.Ronald Kenneth Reese 3/7/24 w/m (suicide)
64. Roderick Johnson 4/18/24 42, b/m, Jailed December 4th, died 4/18/24 of a fentanyl overdose - four months after arrest. How did fentanyl get in the jail?
65. Anthony Johnson 4/22/24 b/m, murdered by jailers after he was subdued and handcuffed (2nd such victim).
66. Chasity Corday Bonner, 35, of North Richland Hills 5/27/24 b/f, drug overdose after over 2 months in jail? (treated with Narcan which is used for opioid overdose, awaiting autopsy for final analysis) How did drugs get in the jail? 3 minutes missing from video
67. Mclendon Caldwell 7/12/24 (unknown)
68. Vernon Ramsey was dead for a week when indicted 52 yoa male 12/2/24
69. Mason Andrew Yancy, 31 years old Friday 12/27/24 diabetic, died in jail after being denied his medication for diabetes. He was in the jail for narcotics possession (a non-violent crime).
70. Charles Stephen Johnson died in the custody of Tarrant County Jail on Feb 08, 2025 after a suicide attempt. He was in the jail for narcotics possession (a non-violent crime) and had mental health issues (why not diverted to jail diversion center?).
71. Kimberly A. Phillips 2/18/25, 56 year old, starved to death
72. Lisa Gadlin 4/22/25 57 years of age, on the anniversary of Anthony Johnson's death
Munoz was a Tarrant County incarcerated person sent to an out-of-county, for-profit jail in Garza County and is therefore frequently left out of official statistics.
Christopher Loyo was killed by deputies while executing a mental health warrant Feb. 2025. Another man was burned to death in his home by deputies executing a warrant. These deaths are not listed with the above jail deaths.
Note: almost all of the above people had not been convicted of any crime. They were in jail - pretrial - because they were unable to make bond.
What is going on in the Tarrant jail that 390 suicide attempts were prevented in 2024? See the Sheriff's press release 2/8/25
And 270 suicide attempts thwarted as of March 2024.
What is happening in the jail that has caused 270 suicide attempts.
See Texas A & M Law School’s investigation of deaths involving abuse and neglect in Tarrant Jail and request for DOJ investigation. Three times the national average. Your tax dollars are paying millions for these lawsuits and attorney's fees. Read the details of their needless suffering: See the above button "Request for Department of Justice Investigation"
SOLUTIONS
THIS IS YOUR MONEY. Instead of spending $55 million dollars on the prison industrial complex (out-of-county, for-profit jails, and ANOTHER law enforcement training center [Tarrant has three such law enforcement training centers already and spent $101 million on one in 2017), they should spend it where the constituents approve:
“1. Housing with wrap around services for the mentally ill,
2. Structured residential settings,
3. Fill up the Mental Health Diversion Center (which is currently staffed, and “unused” and would therefore cost nothing but would save millions)” After spending 3 years in jail waiting for a State Jail Hospital Bed to have his competency restored,
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ANTHONY JOHNSON - a United States Marine, #65 4/21/24
Killed by jailers - lawsuit pending
If it bothers you to see this United State Marine lying dead on the floor of the Tarrant County Jail while jailers stand by, imagine how his mother feels having to watch the entire video of his murder and then being told it would not be released for others to see.
“I can’t breathe” were Anthony Johnson's last words as numerous Jail Staff stood by and watched him murdered. Johnson was killed by having pepper-spray forced into his mouth (enough to kill him) and then being pressed to death by a jailer while others stood by watching. Either event by itself was enough to cause his death. His death has been ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner's Office. He had been arrested while seeking help for a mental health condition. He had been arrested while seeking help for a mental health condition. There is a video of the murder but only a portion of it was released by the Sheriff. The family demands release of the video
After Anthony Johnson was handcuffed Officer Moreno kept his knee on Johnson‘s back, while his supervisor Lieutenant Garcia stood by. Johnson cried out “I can’t breathe” early in the encounter. There was a delay in medical attention. A partial video is all that has been shown by the news media so far.
“Washington (the attorney for the family) has said that Johnson’s body had bruises that suggested force was used. . . Commissioner Alisa Simmons asked that the video be shown during closed session of Commissioner’s Court. The request was denied.”
5/14/24
“You Judge [Tim O’Hare], you Mr. Gary Fickes and Manny Ramirez, YOU KILLED MY SON,” Jacqualyne Johnson said at the commissioners meeting. “And how I can say that is this has been festering in the county for years and you’ve done nothing about it.” Janell said.
“He was murdered,” Chanell (Anthony Johnson's Sister) said.
“You guys killed my brother…Release the video.” Janelle Johnson, sister of Anthony Johnson to Commissioner's Court 6/4/24.
“You had my daughter removed from this room last time. . . You are a killer because you support the Sheriff. You owe her an apology. I know you will not give her one because you are arrogant and lack humility.. . . Release the full unredacted video.. . my child’s face. Then ask yourself if you still support the Sheriff. I guess that means you support homicide.” Jacqualyne Johnson, mother of Anthony Johnson who was murdered by Tarrant County Jailers on April 21, 2024 to Commissioner's Court 6/18/24.
Daryl Washington, an attorney for Anthony Johnson Jr.’s family
+1 (214) 880-4883, fax (214) 751-6685, [email protected]
Killed by jailers - lawsuit pending
If it bothers you to see this United State Marine lying dead on the floor of the Tarrant County Jail while jailers stand by, imagine how his mother feels having to watch the entire video of his murder and then being told it would not be released for others to see.
“I can’t breathe” were Anthony Johnson's last words as numerous Jail Staff stood by and watched him murdered. Johnson was killed by having pepper-spray forced into his mouth (enough to kill him) and then being pressed to death by a jailer while others stood by watching. Either event by itself was enough to cause his death. His death has been ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner's Office. He had been arrested while seeking help for a mental health condition. He had been arrested while seeking help for a mental health condition. There is a video of the murder but only a portion of it was released by the Sheriff. The family demands release of the video
After Anthony Johnson was handcuffed Officer Moreno kept his knee on Johnson‘s back, while his supervisor Lieutenant Garcia stood by. Johnson cried out “I can’t breathe” early in the encounter. There was a delay in medical attention. A partial video is all that has been shown by the news media so far.
“Washington (the attorney for the family) has said that Johnson’s body had bruises that suggested force was used. . . Commissioner Alisa Simmons asked that the video be shown during closed session of Commissioner’s Court. The request was denied.”
5/14/24
“You Judge [Tim O’Hare], you Mr. Gary Fickes and Manny Ramirez, YOU KILLED MY SON,” Jacqualyne Johnson said at the commissioners meeting. “And how I can say that is this has been festering in the county for years and you’ve done nothing about it.” Janell said.
“He was murdered,” Chanell (Anthony Johnson's Sister) said.
“You guys killed my brother…Release the video.” Janelle Johnson, sister of Anthony Johnson to Commissioner's Court 6/4/24.
“You had my daughter removed from this room last time. . . You are a killer because you support the Sheriff. You owe her an apology. I know you will not give her one because you are arrogant and lack humility.. . . Release the full unredacted video.. . my child’s face. Then ask yourself if you still support the Sheriff. I guess that means you support homicide.” Jacqualyne Johnson, mother of Anthony Johnson who was murdered by Tarrant County Jailers on April 21, 2024 to Commissioner's Court 6/18/24.
Daryl Washington, an attorney for Anthony Johnson Jr.’s family
+1 (214) 880-4883, fax (214) 751-6685, [email protected]
*SHERIFF REFUSES TO RELEASE TAPES OF MARINE BEATEN AND PEPPERSPRAY DEATH IN JAIL
"Sheriff Bill Waybourn has not let us see the video of his jailers’ April 21 pepper-spraying that led to the death of Anthony Johnson Jr., 31, of Fort Worth, a Marine veteran"
"Sheriff Bill Waybourn has not let us see the video of his jailers’ April 21 pepper-spraying that led to the death of Anthony Johnson Jr., 31, of Fort Worth, a Marine veteran"
Johnson's Death was ruled "Homicide" by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office:
Chasity Bonner, a beautiful, healthy 35 year old woman, died in the Tarrant County Jail Monday, May 27th 2024.
Lamonica Bratton (Chasity's mother) always thought her children would outlive her. In jail on a relatively minor theft charge. Confinement in the Tarrant Jail should not be a death sentence. "What happened to my child?" Bratton said, "Only health problems she had with high blood pressure."
Chasity Bonner’s cellmate attempted to get jailers attention for a couple of hours per Lamonica Ballard, Chasity’s mother at commissioners court 6/4/24. Number 66 under this administration in five years. “Illegal drug trafficking in the jail” Retired State Representative the Honorable Lon Burnam at Commissioners Court 6/4/24.
"Chasity Bonner was a mother and a grandmother. She spent two months in the Kaufman jail then was transferred to Tarrant County before she was murdered in the Tarrant County jail. why was she given two doses of Narcan?” Bishop Kirkland.
Finally on September 3rd, 35 year old Bonner's official cause of death is ruled as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is the buildup of plaque in artery walls.
“I don’t believe that,” said Bonner’s mother LaMonica Bratten when she was told the autopsy results. “My child ain’t never had no heart problems.” Atherosclerosis does not commonly affect people at such a young age. The average life expectancy for women with atherosclerosis is between the ages of 69 and 82, according to the American Heart Association....Drugs “run rampant” in the Tarrant County jail, according to a lawsuit filed in July
Like other cases the official cause of death did not appear to match the facts. E.G. in the Robert Miller case an official cause of death is given as sickle cell disease - family says he didn't have sickle cell disease. And the video of a pepper spraying event just before his death is suppressed (see below). See also the Jennifer Espinoza death below.
Bonner was in jail for 12 days before she died on May 27th but a spokesperson at the time stated that medical professionals were administering Narcan (the purpose of which is to save a life in an opioid emergency).
"And it will continue to happen unless the citizens of Tarrant County demand better.” attorney for Baby Zenorah who was born in the jail and died.
“National Institutes of Health data shows the number of deaths has exceeded the national average in each of the last four years. Tarrant County has spent more than $2 million settling lawsuits related to deaths at the jail in the past year.” This is the 6th death this year (more than one per month).
Chasity Bonner
Roderick Johnson was Jailed December 4th, died of a Fentanyl Overdose 4/18/24 over 4 months later
How did Fentanyl get in the jail?
"One of two people who died in Tarrant County Jail custody last month died of fentanyl and trazodone poisoning, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.. . KERA News has reached out to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for comment on how the substances got into the jail . . .
Roderick Johnson "had been jailed since Dec. 4, 2023 on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm . . . He died three days before 31-year-old Anthony Johnson — no relation — who (was murdered) by detention officers at the county jail during a routine cell check for contraband. His cause of death is pending."
How did Fentanyl get in the jail?
"One of two people who died in Tarrant County Jail custody last month died of fentanyl and trazodone poisoning, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.. . KERA News has reached out to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for comment on how the substances got into the jail . . .
Roderick Johnson "had been jailed since Dec. 4, 2023 on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm . . . He died three days before 31-year-old Anthony Johnson — no relation — who (was murdered) by detention officers at the county jail during a routine cell check for contraband. His cause of death is pending."
"At least 63 people (it is 66 now) have died at the Tarrant County Jail since Sheriff Bill Waybourn took office in 2017, according to data provided by his office in late April. Three of those (deaths in the jail) were fentanyl-related overdoses."
This will result in more lawsuits wasting your money.
This will result in more lawsuits wasting your money.
Harold Roberts was in jail from 2020 – 2024 before his competency was restored. Harold Kent Roberts died in the jail one week shy of his date to be released. https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article285569587.html
Attorney Julie Griffin giving free legal advice to Republican Commissioners. (Again)(at 36 min on this video)
“Several deaths included inmates not getting medicine. It would be better to ask for a Mental Health Respite Center than a new Law Enforcement Training Center.” Nan Terry
“a Law Enforcement Center that no one asked for” Laura Leeman
“The pressure of the Mentally Ill in our jail is a huge drain on our taxpayers.” Commissioner Brooks D
“50,000 mentally ill booked into the jail last year.” Doreen Geiger
The jail is overcrowded because judges are not moving the cases fast enough.
A huge “THANK YOU” to these citizens being watchdogs for our taxpayer dollars at Commissioner’s Court for years. Unfortunately their advice is ignored by the Republicans on Commissioners Court who are the majority.
"My son Derreal Jackson 31 years of age was murdered in your facility. . .Reports from the hospital say he died of a lacerated liver, his skin was torn from his arms, he had black eyes, broken ribs, puncture wound in his back… Laid there 16 hours dead before anyone checked on him. Judge you are accountable." Monica Scott – mother of Derreal Jackson.
*DERREAL JACKSON - HIS MOTHER SAYS HE WAS MURDERED IN THE JAIL,
HE LAY DYING IN HIS CELL FOR 16 HOURS
Derreal Lawayne Jackson DOD Aug.2 2023 an "unknown medical emergency,"
JoAnn or Jo Ann Lemmons, 55, cause of death pending. 2023
Adrian Chavez or Chevez, 39, suicide. 2023
Jason Levar Jackson, 36, cause of death pending. 2023
Heidiann Renee Gitts, 32, cardiac arrest. 2023
George William Zink, 57, cause of death pending. 2023
HE LAY DYING IN HIS CELL FOR 16 HOURS
Derreal Lawayne Jackson DOD Aug.2 2023 an "unknown medical emergency,"
JoAnn or Jo Ann Lemmons, 55, cause of death pending. 2023
Adrian Chavez or Chevez, 39, suicide. 2023
Jason Levar Jackson, 36, cause of death pending. 2023
Heidiann Renee Gitts, 32, cardiac arrest. 2023
George William Zink, 57, cause of death pending. 2023
Monica Jackson (mother of Derreal Jackson) and
Laura Leeman
spend their first Mother's Day without their sons
Laura Leeman
spend their first Mother's Day without their sons
“When Jarrett Adams learned about the 2020 arrest of Chasity Congious and the subsequent loss of her newborn child in Tarrant County Jail, the Chicago civil rights attorney couldn’t sleep for days on end. . . national attention from the litigation may bring the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the county jail, Tarrant County Jail, that saw 17 custodial deaths in 2020, a shockingly high number compared to other, similarly sized facilities. . . .In early 2020, Congious was experiencing a mental health crisis at her home. She was four months pregnant, and her family feared for the unborn child’s life. Family members called Fort Worth police and requested that officers take Congious to the psychiatric ward of JPS for involuntary commitment. . . .“Despite the family’s request for medical assistance, [Officer] Nguyen arrested Chasity,” reads part of Adams’ legal complaint. Her “arrest was made without a warrant. Immediately before she was arrested by [Officer] Nguyen, [she] was not violating any laws, rules, or ordinances. There was no probable cause or justification for the arrest of Chasity Congious on Jan. 15, 2020.. . .The document goes on to allege that Officer Nguyen falsified a police report to justify the arrest. Adams said Congious’ family rebukes police allegations that she assaulted her family members before her arrest.. . .At no point during her five months in jail did she have a court hearing. . . Tarrant County Jail has failed inspections by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) three of the last seven years. Population deaths at the county jail remain disproportionately high — six (2019), 17 (2020), 13 (2021) — compared to neighboring counties. According to the Dallas Morning News, Tarrant’s jail averages around 3.5 times as many detainee deaths as Dallas’ county jail. . . .The first-hand accounts described one detainee who slit his wrists to escape sexual harassment by a jailer. Another member of the jail population said she prayed for death during the worst periods of her battle with COVID-19. One letter described beatings by jail guards that left one man begging to not be returned to Tarrant’s jail once he recovered in a hospital. . “Sheriff Bill Waybourn is a showman,” Adams said. The attorney alleges that Waybourn has made misleading public generalizations about the Congious case that he will have to answer for in front of a jury, likely next spring.”
“a deplorable Tarrant County Jail. Zenorah was born there on May 5, 2020. Mother Chasity Congious was left to bleed out and suffer in a cell for hours before she was given medical attention. . . Few publications outside the Weekly showed interest in covering the story,. . . Adams (mother’s attorney) has tried and won many high-profile civil rights and wrongful death lawsuits. He said this one is by far the most appalling.. . . supervisors not only condoned but encouraged jailers to falsify reports.”
“The majority of audience questions and comments took aim at Waybourn, both for the high number of deaths at his jail and for the sheriff’s involvement in creating the county’s Voter Integrity Unit even as voter fraud remains infinitesimally low in this country”
“At the point that she told [the jailers] that her stomach hurts, that should trigger anyone with common sense to know she might be having contractions.”
LAW OFFICE OF JARRETT ADAMS
(see petition)
Chasity arrested 1/15/2020
ZCH died May 27th, 2020
In violation of the Sandra Bland Act a magistrate was never notified of her mental illness.
Her last 2 OBGYN appointment were cancelled.
Chasity bled so much that life saving care was necessary at the hospital.
She never got to see the child and was denied a compassionate release to go to the funeral.
Note the numerous incidents of abuse and neglect outlined starting on page 13 of the petition.
“The majority of audience questions and comments took aim at Waybourn, both for the high number of deaths at his jail and for the sheriff’s involvement in creating the county’s Voter Integrity Unit even as voter fraud remains infinitesimally low in this country”
“At the point that she told [the jailers] that her stomach hurts, that should trigger anyone with common sense to know she might be having contractions.”
LAW OFFICE OF JARRETT ADAMS
(see petition)
Chasity arrested 1/15/2020
ZCH died May 27th, 2020
In violation of the Sandra Bland Act a magistrate was never notified of her mental illness.
Her last 2 OBGYN appointment were cancelled.
Chasity bled so much that life saving care was necessary at the hospital.
She never got to see the child and was denied a compassionate release to go to the funeral.
Note the numerous incidents of abuse and neglect outlined starting on page 13 of the petition.
"No amount of settlement, including the largest settlement payout in county history stemming from the 2020 death of a baby born unattended at the Tarrant County Jail, can adequately rectify the injustices occurring within prison and jail facilities. At this point, only an immediate investigation into the disturbing sequence of deaths at the facility can reinstate accountability in Tarrant County Jail,” Congressman Veasey.
*DEAN STEWART
The family of Dean Stewart, who died by suicide in the jail, received a $400,000 settlement.
The family of Dean Stewart, who died by suicide in the jail, received a $400,000 settlement.
Mason Yancy, age 31, died in the Tarrant County Jail 12/27/2024 because his diabetic medication was withheld.
Inmates are Dying of Dehydration in the Tarrant County Jail
Georgia Kay Baldwin
is one of at least three dying of thirst in the Tarrant Jail
“Compared to other jails across the country, Tarrant County jails had fewer detention officers per detainee. The County had funded 975 employees when 1,330 employees were needed”. P. 15 Georgia Baldwin lawsuit (one of at least 3 dying of thirst in the jail)
“the County jail lost its state certification as a result of one detainee death, which reflects the County’s failure to comply with known jail standards. . . the County failed to reprimand any jailers as a result of the incidents leading to Georgia’s suffering and death,” page 17
The County also rotated jailers in and out of special medical and mental health observation areas. Jailers were therefore not provided an opportunity to get to know and retain essential information for Georgia’s
particular medical or mental health needs page 29
County sheriff, or in the alternative, the jail administrator or the commissioners’ court, was the relevant chief policymaker page 30
Complaint with photos of cell and sink:
Georgia Kay Baldwin
is one of at least three dying of thirst in the Tarrant Jail
“Compared to other jails across the country, Tarrant County jails had fewer detention officers per detainee. The County had funded 975 employees when 1,330 employees were needed”. P. 15 Georgia Baldwin lawsuit (one of at least 3 dying of thirst in the jail)
“the County jail lost its state certification as a result of one detainee death, which reflects the County’s failure to comply with known jail standards. . . the County failed to reprimand any jailers as a result of the incidents leading to Georgia’s suffering and death,” page 17
The County also rotated jailers in and out of special medical and mental health observation areas. Jailers were therefore not provided an opportunity to get to know and retain essential information for Georgia’s
particular medical or mental health needs page 29
County sheriff, or in the alternative, the jail administrator or the commissioners’ court, was the relevant chief policymaker page 30
Complaint with photos of cell and sink:
*JAVONTE MYERS
Two former county jailers were indicted after they allegedly lied about checking on a man named Javonte Myers, who later died.
The county recently agreed to pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit from the family of Javonte Myers, who died of a seizure disorder in his cell in 2020. The two jailers in charge of keeping an eye on Myers face criminal charges for allegedly lying about completing their checks. Myers' body lay in his cell for hours before anyone noticed he had died.
When he was found dead in his cell, his body was already exhibiting rigor mortis. Dean Malone, an attorney representing Myers’ family
Javonte Meyers - the lawsuit of 1 million dollars was the largest in Tarrant County history at the time (death June 19th, 2020, lawsuit settled 2023). Since that lawsuit another has settled in 2024 for 1.2 million (baby Zenorah).
Inmates with Medical Issues Ignored by Jail Staff
JENNIFER ESPINOZA
Per the family of Jennifer: Jennifer was a beautiful, healthy 37 year old woman and had no medical problems before she was arrested. She was only in jail for 3 days. She was to be released soon. She began having seizures and was taken to JPS. The jail was advised to watch her every 30 minutes. They neglected to do that. She called her family and told them she was not feeling well and she had told the guards. She was ignored by the staff. She was found dead in her cell. The family was told that the video of her death existed but was lost and that Jennifer died of a brain hemorrhage. A lawsuit filed by civil rights lawyer Ben Crump; however, indicates that she died of a heroin overdose. She leaves behind 5 children. Her family says "she was the best mom."
"Please stop this - my baby daughter, Jennifer Espinoza, died in Tarrant County jail in January 2019 never got to see video. When she was in hospital her children and mom and dad sisters asked if we could have a few minutes alone with to say are good bye they told us "no" that "she belongs to the State". That came from the Sheriff himself . . . no compassion". There was a video and the jail lost the video.
Linda Hammett, Mother of Jennifer Espinoza
Stop the cover-ups in Tarrant County.
Jenifer Espinoza's family was also refused the right to see their loved one's body- like Chasity Bonner.
The Espinoza family was falsely told there was no video - like Robert Miller (we have now seen the video where he was taken into a room at the jail without a camera, pepper sprayed repeatedly by jailers just before he died)(authorities claim he died of sickle cell but he did not have the disease).
The Espinoza family was falsely told their loved one died at the hospital - like U.S. Marine Anthony Johnson’s family (who was pepper-sprayed to death by jailers).
The Espinoza family was lied to about the cause of death - told "brain aneurism" but Ben Crump lawsuit says heroin overdose (as in the Robert Miller case where the family was told Miller died of sickle cell disease and he did not have the disease).
JENNIFER ESPINOZA
Per the family of Jennifer: Jennifer was a beautiful, healthy 37 year old woman and had no medical problems before she was arrested. She was only in jail for 3 days. She was to be released soon. She began having seizures and was taken to JPS. The jail was advised to watch her every 30 minutes. They neglected to do that. She called her family and told them she was not feeling well and she had told the guards. She was ignored by the staff. She was found dead in her cell. The family was told that the video of her death existed but was lost and that Jennifer died of a brain hemorrhage. A lawsuit filed by civil rights lawyer Ben Crump; however, indicates that she died of a heroin overdose. She leaves behind 5 children. Her family says "she was the best mom."
"Please stop this - my baby daughter, Jennifer Espinoza, died in Tarrant County jail in January 2019 never got to see video. When she was in hospital her children and mom and dad sisters asked if we could have a few minutes alone with to say are good bye they told us "no" that "she belongs to the State". That came from the Sheriff himself . . . no compassion". There was a video and the jail lost the video.
Linda Hammett, Mother of Jennifer Espinoza
Stop the cover-ups in Tarrant County.
Jenifer Espinoza's family was also refused the right to see their loved one's body- like Chasity Bonner.
The Espinoza family was falsely told there was no video - like Robert Miller (we have now seen the video where he was taken into a room at the jail without a camera, pepper sprayed repeatedly by jailers just before he died)(authorities claim he died of sickle cell but he did not have the disease).
The Espinoza family was falsely told their loved one died at the hospital - like U.S. Marine Anthony Johnson’s family (who was pepper-sprayed to death by jailers).
The Espinoza family was lied to about the cause of death - told "brain aneurism" but Ben Crump lawsuit says heroin overdose (as in the Robert Miller case where the family was told Miller died of sickle cell disease and he did not have the disease).
Inmate dies in Pepper Spray Incident in Jail
ROBERT MILLER DEATH
Lawsuit Pending
“Robert Miller, who died after being pepper sprayed (multiple times) . . .criminal negligence could be culpable in both his death and the subsequent review of his death.” The County’s position is that he died of sickle cell crisis. He did not have sickle cell disease.
“Died the next morning at JPS Hospital with inflamed lungs, a swollen neck and blood leaking from his ears and nose. . .”
ROBERT MILLER DEATH
Lawsuit Pending
“Robert Miller, who died after being pepper sprayed (multiple times) . . .criminal negligence could be culpable in both his death and the subsequent review of his death.” The County’s position is that he died of sickle cell crisis. He did not have sickle cell disease.
“Died the next morning at JPS Hospital with inflamed lungs, a swollen neck and blood leaking from his ears and nose. . .”
Miller being walked into a cell without cameras. Miller drug out of the cell without cameras after pepper spray.
The county medical examiner’s office declared he died due to sickle cell disease, but a Fort Worth Star-Telegram investigation found he likely didn’t have sickle cell and suggested his true cause of death was harsh treatment behind bars.
*COVERUP
“Enough with the coverup; Tarrant County Owes Taxpayers answers about inmates death”
“Enough with the coverup; Tarrant County Owes Taxpayers answers about inmates death”
“They feel completely comfortable grossly misrepresenting what happened to someone who was killed in their custody,” Henderson (Robert Miller’s attorney) said. “They feel so emboldened to be untruthful about what happened, it raises the concern about how often people have been killed and thrown away in the Tarrant County Jail the way Mr. Miller was.”
Robert Miller’s charges were misdemeanors related to his mental health. Cuffed and pepper sprayed without provocation. Doctors say he had cuts on his forehead and both brows were swollen, swelling of his neck, and both ears and nose were filled with blood. There was no indication that the Texas Ranger, Clarence “Trace” McDonald, investigating the case spoke with anyone at the hospital on this case.
It is not possible that someone could live to the age of 38 and not know they have the disease, said Jane Little, a sickle cell expert at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Because of the prevalence of the disease in Black Americans, babies are tested after birth and a diagnosis is noted on the birth certificate. That practice began in Texas before Miller was born.
Trace McDonald, the Texas Ranger who investigated Miller’s death, was hired by the sheriff’s office nearly two years after Miller died. He is now the commander over the narcotics unit. As a Ranger, he Dallas attorney David Henderson, who is representing Miller’s wife, Shanelle Jenkins, in her wrongful death lawsuit, said his office has requested a copy of all available footage from that afternoon. His request has been denied by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Willie Miller is still looking for answers to how his son Robert Miller died while in custody at the Tarrant County Jail in 2019. “I want justice,” he. said. The medical examiner listed Robert Miller’s cause of death as a sickle cell crisis, but he insists his son was never diagnosed with the disorder. Amanda McCoy [email protected]
It is not possible that someone could live to the age of 38 and not know they have the disease, said Jane Little, a sickle cell expert at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Because of the prevalence of the disease in Black Americans, babies are tested after birth and a diagnosis is noted on the birth certificate. That practice began in Texas before Miller was born.
Trace McDonald, the Texas Ranger who investigated Miller’s death, was hired by the sheriff’s office nearly two years after Miller died. He is now the commander over the narcotics unit. As a Ranger, he Dallas attorney David Henderson, who is representing Miller’s wife, Shanelle Jenkins, in her wrongful death lawsuit, said his office has requested a copy of all available footage from that afternoon. His request has been denied by the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
Willie Miller is still looking for answers to how his son Robert Miller died while in custody at the Tarrant County Jail in 2019. “I want justice,” he. said. The medical examiner listed Robert Miller’s cause of death as a sickle cell crisis, but he insists his son was never diagnosed with the disorder. Amanda McCoy [email protected]
And Trace MacDonald was same TX Ranger investigator who said during interview of Eric Gay and Darien Kirk (who falsified records concerning their failure to do required checks, leading to Javonte Myers’ death): not to get into the “Pandora’s Box” of supervisors telling jail staff to falsify records. “Checking Out,” Edward Brown, Fort Worth Weekly 11/29/2023.
*Jailers say they were forced to falsify information, no doubt to limit county liability in case of an in-custody death.
*Jailers say they were forced to falsify information, no doubt to limit county liability in case of an in-custody death.
*Russell Qualls
“Man dies after experiencing a medical emergency in Tarrant Jail.” 60 deaths in jail since 2018. Three times the national average.
*Clyde Alexander 1/5/24
“Clyde Alexander, 48, Died Following Medical Emergency At Fort Worth Jail.” TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS (January 4, 2024)
“Clyde Alexander, 48, Died Following Medical Emergency At Fort Worth Jail.” TARRANT COUNTY, TEXAS (January 4, 2024)
TOWN HALL REGARDING DEATHS IN THE JAIL
See the Tarrant County Sheriff label inmates as "fatherless", drug addicts.
See local Judge say the Mental Health Diversion Center went "unused" last year. Note is it staffed with you tax dollars. Unused because judges are not doing their job.
See the Court Administrator say the judges just learned how to do PR bonds (bonds that allow indigent to get out of jai without payment in cases where justice demands same).
Sheriff arrived 6 minutes after video started.
See the Tarrant County Sheriff label inmates as "fatherless", drug addicts.
See local Judge say the Mental Health Diversion Center went "unused" last year. Note is it staffed with you tax dollars. Unused because judges are not doing their job.
See the Court Administrator say the judges just learned how to do PR bonds (bonds that allow indigent to get out of jai without payment in cases where justice demands same).
Sheriff arrived 6 minutes after video started.
RODERICK JOHNSON 3/10/24 #64
Tarrant County Jail inmate found hanging in cell dies at Fort Worth hospital, officials say
Tarrant County Jail inmate found hanging in cell dies at Fort Worth hospital, officials say
*MENTALLY ILL DYING IN THE JAIL
Robert Miller, Javonte Myers, Georgia Kay Baldwin, Harold Roberts, and most recently Anthony Johnson. What do these persons have in common? They suffered from a mental health crisis leading to their arrest and jailing, and then they died in jail, still suffering from mental illness.
*COMMISSIONERS ON NOTICE OF FUTURE LAWSUITS
“I do want to remind you that Kaiyere Campbell is an example of people who will die in this jail because of your inaction”
Ret. St. Rep Lon Burnham to Commissioners Court 5/7/24 (at 6:02:00 on the Commissioners Court Video)
Robert Miller, Javonte Myers, Georgia Kay Baldwin, Harold Roberts, and most recently Anthony Johnson. What do these persons have in common? They suffered from a mental health crisis leading to their arrest and jailing, and then they died in jail, still suffering from mental illness.
*COMMISSIONERS ON NOTICE OF FUTURE LAWSUITS
“I do want to remind you that Kaiyere Campbell is an example of people who will die in this jail because of your inaction”
Ret. St. Rep Lon Burnham to Commissioners Court 5/7/24 (at 6:02:00 on the Commissioners Court Video)
Coverups:
Robert Miller being forced into a room at the jail with no cameras, peppered sprayed, being drug out of the same room and dying shortly after. Watch this video yourself. Then saying he died of sickle cell when he did not have the disease. Then refusing to release to video until after the statute of limitations had run and the case had been dismissed.
Refusing to release the video of the murder of Anthony Johnson, a US Marine, by Tarrant County Jailers even though the family has demanded the video’s release. He was also pepper sprayed to death and murdered per the medical examiner.
Hiding evidence about Baby Zenorah’s death. Baby Zenorah was born in the jail and died. This case has already cost Tarrant County taxpayers a record-breaking $1.2 million. And now the litigation continues because evidence was withheld by Tarrant Officials from the mother’s attorney. “Shockingly, at no point during her five months of incarceration did (the mother) receive a legal hearing,” (Federal Judge) O’Connor wrote in his ruling.
Chasity Bonner, who died after being administered Narcan (for opioid addiction) the District Attorney is refusing to release the autopsy report to the family.
Jennifer Espinoza, a healthy 37 year old mother of 5, the family was told she died of a "brain aneurism" but the Crump lawsuit says heroin overdose.
Jennifer Espinosa's family was also refused the opportunity to see their dead loved one's body- like the Chasity Bonner.
The family was told there was no video but later told that the video was "lost" - like Robert Miller.
The family was told their loved one died at the hospital - like Anthony Johnson.
Who are the 145 dead that the Crump lawsuit alleges? We only have the names of 67. www.stormerfortexas.com
How are drugs getting into the jail in sufficient amounts to kill inmates?
Why are people serving jail time twice the length of their sentence on average?
The Sheriff's Department investigated at least 20 of the deaths. They are required by law to be investigated by an outside agency.
Etc., etc., etc. . .
THIS IS YOUR TAX DOLLARS!!!
Robert Miller being forced into a room at the jail with no cameras, peppered sprayed, being drug out of the same room and dying shortly after. Watch this video yourself. Then saying he died of sickle cell when he did not have the disease. Then refusing to release to video until after the statute of limitations had run and the case had been dismissed.
Refusing to release the video of the murder of Anthony Johnson, a US Marine, by Tarrant County Jailers even though the family has demanded the video’s release. He was also pepper sprayed to death and murdered per the medical examiner.
Hiding evidence about Baby Zenorah’s death. Baby Zenorah was born in the jail and died. This case has already cost Tarrant County taxpayers a record-breaking $1.2 million. And now the litigation continues because evidence was withheld by Tarrant Officials from the mother’s attorney. “Shockingly, at no point during her five months of incarceration did (the mother) receive a legal hearing,” (Federal Judge) O’Connor wrote in his ruling.
Chasity Bonner, who died after being administered Narcan (for opioid addiction) the District Attorney is refusing to release the autopsy report to the family.
Jennifer Espinoza, a healthy 37 year old mother of 5, the family was told she died of a "brain aneurism" but the Crump lawsuit says heroin overdose.
Jennifer Espinosa's family was also refused the opportunity to see their dead loved one's body- like the Chasity Bonner.
The family was told there was no video but later told that the video was "lost" - like Robert Miller.
The family was told their loved one died at the hospital - like Anthony Johnson.
Who are the 145 dead that the Crump lawsuit alleges? We only have the names of 67. www.stormerfortexas.com
How are drugs getting into the jail in sufficient amounts to kill inmates?
Why are people serving jail time twice the length of their sentence on average?
The Sheriff's Department investigated at least 20 of the deaths. They are required by law to be investigated by an outside agency.
Etc., etc., etc. . .
THIS IS YOUR TAX DOLLARS!!!
This does not have to happen. Get involved.
Attend Commissioner's Court.
Demand answers.
Write letters to the Editor.
Contact the State Jail Commission in Austin.
Get involved with local groups.
Support candidates that are working for change (Democrats).
Become a Precinct Chair, Deputy voter registrar, election judge, . . . (see "Get Involved" tab on this website).
Run for office and call out the right wing extremists, white Christian nationalists power grab that is marching us all toward Project 2025.
Don't let another young person die unnecessarily.
Don't let another family suffer this loss.
Don't let another million-dollar lawsuit get filed.
You can be the change.
Attend Commissioner's Court.
Demand answers.
Write letters to the Editor.
Contact the State Jail Commission in Austin.
Get involved with local groups.
Support candidates that are working for change (Democrats).
Become a Precinct Chair, Deputy voter registrar, election judge, . . . (see "Get Involved" tab on this website).
Run for office and call out the right wing extremists, white Christian nationalists power grab that is marching us all toward Project 2025.
Don't let another young person die unnecessarily.
Don't let another family suffer this loss.
Don't let another million-dollar lawsuit get filed.
You can be the change.