Two prisoners have died while being held by Tarrant County authorities within a week.
The first of two prisoners housed in the facility was found unconscious in his cell after he didn't appear for breakfast. Detention officers found the deceased prisoner at approximately 5:35 a.m. on April 18, as per CBS News Texas.
Since December 4, 2023, the prisoner has been in custody for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and deadly conduct. The prisoner’s name and cause of death have not yet been disclosed.
A second prisoner died on April 21. During a morning routine check for illegal items, Anthony Johnson, 31, refused to leave his cell to have it searched. A struggle happened, leading to the detention officers using Oleoresin Capsicum spray to subdue Johnson, reported CBS News Texas.
Onsite medical staff from John Peter Smith Hospital examined Johnson, during which time the prisoner became unconscious. The medical staff performed CPR and transported Johnson to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Johnson had been jailed since April 19 on charges of tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The Texas Rangers will investigate the prisoner’s death.
Since 2017, 60 Tarrant County prisoners have died, an average of more than eight inmates per year, according to WFAA.
Sheriff Bill Waybourn has stated in the past that factors beyond the jail’s control have contributed to the high number of jail deaths.
“In 99 percent of the cases, everything was done right, and unfortunately, somebody passed away,” Waybourn told WFAA.
Dallas County has also seen its share of jail deaths, with two inmates having died in August 2023. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins has described the jail’s situation as a “mess,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The jail hit 97% capacity, prompting Dallas County officials to release inmates despite increased crime.
