Former Officer Admits Role in Inmate’s Fatal Treatment
In a significant development, former Alabama corrections officer Joshua Conner Jones has pleaded guilty to charges related to the death of Tony Mitchell, a mentally ill inmate who died of hypothermia after being held naked in a concrete cell for two weeks.
Conspiracy and cruel treatment
Jones entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors, admitting his role in the mistreatment of Mitchell and another inmate at the Walker County Jail. The plea agreement revealed the involvement of five co-conspirators in the abuse that led to Mitchell’s death in January 2023, suggesting ongoing investigations and potential further charges.
Details of the inhumane conditions
The plea agreement described the horrific conditions endured by Mitchell, who died on January 26, 2023. Mitchell, 33, was held in a concrete cell, often naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces, without a mat or blanket. By the second week, he was largely unresponsive, yet no action was taken to alleviate his suffering. He was brought to a hospital with a body temperature of 72 °F (22 °C).
Prosecutors stated that Jones admitted, “collectively we did it. We killed him.” This acknowledgment aligns with the lawsuit filed by Mitchell’s mother, highlighting the neglect and inhumane treatment he suffered.
Jon C. Goldfarb, the family’s attorney in the civil litigation, expressed the family’s shock at seeing the details of Mitchell’s treatment confirmed in writing. Mitchell, who had a history of drug addiction, was arrested on January 12 after a welfare check revealed he was suffering a mental breakdown.
Additional charges and plea agreement
Jones also pleaded guilty to a separate rights-deprivation count related to the assault of another inmate. His defense lawyer, W. Scott Brower, declined to comment on the agreement, and the US Attorney’s office spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Mitchell’s death has highlighted severe issues within the correctional system, and this plea agreement marks a step towards accountability for those responsible for his tragic and preventable death.