The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and other parties are facing a wrongful death lawsuit, which revolves around the tragic suicide of a 16-year-old boy who was in custody at the time.
His parents have taken legal action by filing a wrongful death lawsuit on Tuesday against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, which provides medical services for both systems. The lawsuit contends that their son’s tragic death could have been avoided.
According to the lawsuit, Beasley’s death could have been prevented if staff members had followed the required 15-minute check-ins. However, they failed to do so for over two hours before his death, even though nearby inmates had expressed concerns about Beasley harming himself. The lawsuit further alleges that seven TDCJ employees were fired due to their involvement in the incident.
In a press release, Amnisty Freelen, Beasley’s mother, expressed her hope that this lawsuit will bring about systemic change, preventing other mothers from having to go through a similar experience.
“I will never be able to find complete closure because my son passed away in that place,” Freelan expressed. “However, this legal action signifies that there is some level of accountability and a potential for improvement in the lives of other children who are going through similar struggles.”
According to a TDCJ spokesperson, the agency refrains from making any comments on pending litigation.
According to the lawsuit, Beasley had been in prison since he was 11 years old and faced difficulties with his mental health. His symptoms deteriorated while he was in custody.
Beasley’s disability led to his repeated punishment, which, according to the lawsuit, contributed to a self-perpetuating cycle.
Less than a month after his 16th birthday in September of 2022, Beasley was transferred from the juvenile to the adult system, disregarding the extensive documentation of his self-harm and mental health needs. Over the course of almost five years in custody, more than 1,000 pages of suicide risk assessments were conducted, highlighting the continuous pattern of his struggles.
In 2022, a judge made the decision to impose an extra five-year term on Beasley within the adult prison system in Texas. This ruling came after he faced charges of harassment and assault against a staff member who was a minor.
Beasley’s mother fought tirelessly to prevent her son from being transferred, but unfortunately, he was eventually relocated to the TDCJ’s Wayne Scott Unit, a prison for adult males located in Brazoria County.
The lawsuit claims that the TDCJ, TJJD, and the University of Texas Medical Branch staff and officials violated the eighth amendment, which restricts the types and severity of punishments that can be imposed by the criminal justice system. Additionally, it asserts that the departments violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, ultimately resulting in Joshua’s untimely death.
“The carceral system is not suitable for any child, especially not for a child like Joshua who has complex mental health needs,” expressed Molly Petchenik, Staff Attorney for the Criminal Legal Program at the Texas Civil Rights Project. “Imprisoning children only exacerbates their mental health challenges.”
The United States Department of Justice recently concluded a thorough investigation into the TJJD’s five facilities, uncovering a range of constitutional and other violations that have persisted for several years.
According to a report by the Department of Justice in August, it was revealed that the Texas juvenile system did not effectively protect children from various forms of harm. These include instances of sexual abuse, excessive use of physical force and isolation, as well as an insufficient behavior management system.