A Texas county has agreed to pay $1 million to the family of a man who died in jail custody three years ago, according to reports.
The settlement comes after 28-year-old Javonte Myers’ mother filed a lawsuit against Tarrant County Jail in April 2022. In addition to the county, two former jailers, identified as Eric Gay and Darien Kirk, were listed as defendants.
Myers, who suffered from mental health issues that the jail knew of, had “a tragic, completely unnecessary death” from a seizure disorder in June 2020, according to court documents. It alleges that his body was left for six hours before it was discovered.
“Upon information and belief, had Javonte been properly observed, he could have received immediate medical treatment, and his life would’ve been saved,” the lawsuit claimed.
Related: ‘Fulton County Must Do Better!’: Family of Inmate Stabbed to Death After Guard Allegedly Abandons Post for an Hour Intends to Sue County Over Death, Dangerous Jail Conditions
As stated in the lawsuit, the jail was aware of his seizure disorder and his anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and insomnia. He also suffered from loss of consciousness, which was allegedly noted on a screening form.
Jailers Gay and Kirk failed to check on Myers during their shift that day, according to the lawsuit and reports. Speaking to Texas Ranger Trace McDonald, who was investigating the case, Gay, alongside his lawyer, admitted that the cell checks were not executed and explained alleged practices in the facility where supervisors are aware of dishonesty on jail documents.
“I mean, they were not done. Yes. Jailer Gay and Jailer Kirk just sat in the picket instead. It then came to light that what occurred regarding Javonte’s death was not an isolated occurrence,” the lawsuit said. “Or one unknown jail higher ups. It was, in fact, a custom and practice.”
The jailers were criminally charged with tampering with a…
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