In March of 2021, a 26-year-old Black man named Marvin David Scott III died while in custody in Texas. His journey began on March 14 when he was arrested at an outlet mall in Allen for the possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, a misdemeanor charge. Officers noted he was exhibiting 'strange behavior.' Scott, who had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, was first taken to a hospital.
After being released from the hospital, police transported him to the Collin County jail.
At the jail, Scott's erratic behavior continued. In response, detention officers attempted to secure him to a restraint bed. During this process, he was pepper-sprayed, and a spit hood was placed over his face. He subsequently became unresponsive while being restrained and was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. His family's attorney, who viewed footage of the incident, stated that Scott was clearly in a schizophrenic episode and that his requests for help were met with brutality instead of aid.
The Collin County Medical Examiner ruled Scott's death a homicide, with the cause of death being a 'fatal acute stress response in an individual with previously diagnosed schizophrenia during restraint struggle with law enforcement.' In the aftermath of his death, seven detention officers were fired for violating department policies, and another officer resigned. One of the fired officers was later reinstated after an appeal.
Despite the homicide ruling and the termination of the officers, a grand jury in June 2021 declined to indict the eight jailers involved in the incident. The grand jury stated there was no probable cause to charge anyone with a crime but took the unusual step of recommending the formation of a diverse workgroup to study the circumstances of Scott's death and find better solutions for treating individuals with mental illness within the criminal justice system. The family's attorney expressed extreme disappointment with the decision, stating the evidence was more than sufficient for indictments. In December 2023, Collin County reached a $1.6 million settlement with Scott's estate.
