Jailer Admits Role in Hypothermia Death of Tony Mitchell
A former Alabama jailer, Joshua Conner Jones, has pleaded guilty to charges connected to the death of Tony Mitchell, an incarcerated man who died from hypothermia after being held naked in a concrete cell for two weeks. Jones’ plea deal, reached on Tuesday, involves one count of criminal conspiracy to deprive an inmate of their rights and an additional charge related to the assault of another inmate.
Mitchell’s death, which occurred in January 2023, has drawn widespread outrage and calls for justice. Jones’ guilty plea also revealed the involvement of three additional unnamed co-conspirators, suggesting that more individuals could face charges in the case.
Mitchell’s Arrest and Deterioration in Custody
Tony Mitchell, 33, was arrested on January 12, 2023, following a mental health episode that prompted a family member to request a welfare check. Upon arrival, Mitchell allegedly fired at least one shot at responding deputies, leading to his arrest by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
However, instead of receiving proper care while in custody, Mitchell was subjected to inhumane treatment, according to details in the plea agreement. For two weeks, Mitchell was “almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces” as he lay on the concrete floor without a mat or blanket. He became increasingly unresponsive as his condition worsened.
Neglect and Inhumane Conditions
Rather than seeking medical attention for Mitchell’s declining health, Jones and his co-conspirators reportedly dismissed his suffering, with Jones allegedly stating that Mitchell “gets what he gets since he shot at cops.” Despite repeated signs that Mitchell needed medical help, corrections officers only drove him to a hospital emergency room on January 26, three hours after a nurse insisted he required immediate care. By then, it was too late. Mitchell died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
His death certificate listed the cause of death as hypothermia and sepsis due to medical neglect. Jones, who admitted to his involvement, reportedly stated, “collectively we did it. We killed him,” as part of his plea.
Legal Consequences and Further Investigations
Jones is currently out on bond awaiting sentencing. His plea deal hints that additional individuals may face charges in connection to the mistreatment and death of Mitchell, as three unnamed co-conspirators were identified in the document.
Jones’ defense attorneys have not commented on the case, and his sentencing is expected to occur in the coming months. In a related development, a second jailer, Karen Kelly, has also agreed to plead guilty to charges related to Mitchell’s death.
Family’s Response and Civil Litigation
The Mitchell family, represented by attorney Jon C. Goldfarb, has expressed their shock at the detailed account of Tony Mitchell’s mistreatment. The family had long suspected that their loved one’s death was the result of extreme neglect, and the admissions in Jones’ plea agreement have only confirmed their worst fears.
In August, Goldfarb remarked that “the family is shocked to see in writing what they knew happened to Tony Mitchell.” The family has filed a civil lawsuit seeking justice and accountability for the death of their loved one, as they continue to grapple with the disturbing details of his final days in custody.
