Judge dismisses Tarrant County lawsuit over inmate death

A federal judge has dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tarrant County and several jailers in the case of Anthony Johnson Jr., who died in custody in April 2024. The court ruled that Johnson's family failed to provide sufficient evidence that county policies led to his death or that the jailers acted negligently. Johnson's death, ruled a homicide by asphyxiation, occurred during an altercation with corrections officers when one jailer placed a knee on his back despite him saying he couldn't breathe. Two jailers involved have been indicted for murder, but the lawsuit's dismissal means Tarrant County is no longer liable for Johnson's death. Sheriff Bill Waybourn expressed relief over the ruling, stating that the justice system requires evidence to support claims. Advocates for jail reform expressed disappointment, hoping for justice for Johnson's family in the ongoing legal battle.