Indictments and Charges
Two Tarrant County jail guards have been indicted on murder charges related to the asphyxiation death of 31-year-old inmate Anthony Johnson Jr., a former Marine. The indictments, issued on Tuesday, name Joel Garcia, 48, and Rafael Moreno Jr., 37, as responsible for the incident that occurred in April at the Tarrant County jail in Fort Worth, Texas.
Incident Details
The fatal incident began when Johnson, who had been arrested for allegedly threatening a driver with a knife, experienced a mental health crisis. According to Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Moreno improperly placed his knee on Johnson’s back after he was handcuffed, while Garcia, the supervisor, oversaw the situation. Both guards were initially fired but later reinstated and placed on paid leave due to procedural issues with their dismissals.
Legal Defense and Official Statements
Randy Moore, Garcia’s attorney, argued that Garcia’s involvement was minimal and the use of force was justified. Sheriff Waybourn emphasized accountability in his statement: “I said from the beginning that we hold accountable anyone responsible for Mr. Johnson’s death and we are doing that.”
Use of Force Scrutiny
The use of force, particularly methods intended to subdue without lethal outcomes, has faced increased scrutiny since the 2020 death of George Floyd. Floyd’s death, caused by a Minneapolis police officer who pinned him with a knee to the neck, led to widespread outrage and calls for law enforcement reform.
Family’s Call for Federal Investigation
Johnson’s family has urged for a federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. They assert that Johnson was undergoing a mental health crisis at the time of his arrest and subsequent death. The family shared their concerns with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, seeking broader accountability and systemic change within the jail system.
