Charles Anthony Johnson, a 35-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically passed away on May 19, 2020, in Dallas, TX. His death was initially reported as an obituary by the Dallas Morning News, noting his age and location.
However, further investigations revealed that Johnson's death was not a natural one. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide, caused by both mechanical and chemical asphyxia.
The incident occurred at the Tarrant County Jail, where Johnson was an inmate. Surveillance footage showed that jailer Rafael Moreno knelt on Johnson's back while he was handcuffed and pepper-sprayed, despite Johnson's repeated pleas of "I can't breathe".
The case has led to multiple legal actions. Johnson's family filed a civil rights lawsuit against Tarrant County, alleging excessive force, lack of training, and failure to provide proper medical assistance. The lawsuit named several jailers, including Moreno and his supervisor, Lt. Joel Garcia, who were both indicted on murder charges. The family's attorney expressed confidence that criminal charges would be filed against the jail staff involved.
The incident has also drawn attention from federal authorities, with a North Texas congressman asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the circumstances surrounding Johnson's death and other inmate deaths at the Tarrant County Jail. The family continues to seek justice and accountability for the inhumane treatment that led to Johnson's death.
This tragic case highlights the importance of proper training and protocols in correctional facilities to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Johnson's family remains hopeful that their legal actions will bring about necessary changes and prevent other families from experiencing similar losses.
