Man dies from complications after suicide attempt at Tarrant County Jail, sheriff says
An inmate at the Tarrant County Jail died Saturday from complications after a suicide attempt, officials with the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The 36-year-old man, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office as Charles Stephen Johnson, was arrested on a parole violation in Palo Pinto County on Feb. 4, the Sheriff’s Office said.
During the intake process, detention officers identified behavioral concerns and referred Johnson to Tarrant County My Health My Resources (MHMR), which cleared him to remain in regular housing, according to the statement.
Johnson was screened by a mental health provider again on Feb. 6 and did not display any suicidal ideations or behaviors, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Later that day, Johnson was found unresponsive in his cell by his cellmate, and jail staff immediately began lifesaving measures, according to the statement. The Sheriff’s Office said Johnson attempted suicide but did not say how he tried to kill himself.
The inmate was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where he died two days later, on Saturday, Feb. 8, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine his cause and manner of death.
Tarrant County detention officers have intervened in 24 suicide attempts so far this year, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Johnson’s death will be investigated by numerous state and county agencies, including the Texas Rangers, officials said.
His parole violation was related to past sexual assault convictions and failing to register as a sex offender, the Sheriff’s Office said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
This story was originally published February 8, 2025 at 9:16 PM.
