JASPER, Alabama (WIAT) – The investigation into the death of Anthony “Tony” Mitchell continues and some members of the community are protesting.
Many gathered outside the courthouse on Saturday to protest and marched to the sheriff’s office chanting things like “No justice.” No peace.’ Mitchell recently died in the custody of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
Protesters told CBS42 they were not just fighting for justice, but for more transparency.
“It’s a problem here,” said community member Ronnie Wright. “This is a problem that has been going on for decades and it’s time the spotlight was put on it and something was done about it.”
“We cannot continue to live in a third world country,” said fellow community member Karen Kitchens. “It’s not okay. It’s just total abuse, and it doesn’t have to happen.
The protest follows a wrongful death lawsuit against several prison officials, including Sheriff Nick Smith, filed by Mitchell’s mother.
According to a statement made by attorney Edward R. Jackson on behalf of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, they are cooperating fully with this investigation. Citizens say they don’t feel protected.
“It’s scary to feel like you have no protection,” said fellow community member and protester Angela Paul. “If that’s how they treat people as citizens, as law-abiding citizens, you still have no protection against that.”
Linda Rowell says her son Vincent also died in the custody of the sheriff’s office in 2009.
“I want justice. Not just for Vincent, for Tony, for everyone. It is important because think about it. It could happen to another family member. Who’s to say this could happen to a member of your family. »
Protest organizer Ryan Cagle says community members are now coming together.
“It shows that we believe there is something that can happen differently here – that a different world is possible and another Walker County is possible,” Cagle said.
Meanwhile, Cagle says he wants Mitchell’s family to know they are loved and supported and will continue to fight for justice.
The statement from the Sheriff’s Office attorney also says the Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to his family and asks for the public’s patience during this time.
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