WALKER COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — Over two years since his death while in custody, the family of Tony Mitchell has reached a confidential settlement in the civil case against Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith and other jail employees.
Mitchell was a 33-year-old inmate who died hours after losing consciousness at the jail on January 26, 2023. He was originally booked in the jail on Jan. 12, 2023, after being arrested for allegedly firing a gun at deputies during a welfare check. Federal prosecutors, through numerous plea agreements in federal criminal court, have documented the harsh and inhumane treatment Mitchell suffered while in the custody of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
Mitchell’s death was ultimately ruled a homicide due to “medical neglect” suffered at the Walker County Jail.
The confidential settlement, confirmed by Attorney Randy McNeil, results in 16 of the 21 defendants being dropped from the civil case. McNeil represented Sheriff Nick Smith and sheriff’s office personnel in the case.
Those dropped from the civil case include Sheriff Nick Smith, Jail Administrator Justin White, Officer T.J. Armstrong, Officer Denzel Mitchell, Officer Arcelia Jottie Tidwell, Officer Braxton Kee, Officer Bailey Ganey, Officer Katherine Clingan, Officer Jacob Smith, Officer Jeremy Farley, Officer RIchard Holtzman, Officer Benjamin Shoemaker, Officer Morgan Madison, Officer Dayton Wakefield, Officer Joshua Jones, and Officer Carl Carpenter.
Not included in the settlement are medical staff members Alicia Herron, Brad Allred, QCHC Inc., Patricia Hammonds, and Daniel Wyers. The Mitchell families’ claims against them will be allowed to proceed in court.
Among those dropped from the case include several who have entered into guilty plea agreements in the related criminal case regarding their role in Mitchell’s death.
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