Deward Burton Johnson
Deward Burton Johnson, 52, died on March 14, 2024, while held at the Hamilton County Jail in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His family's lawsuit says jail staff drew his blood, found drugs in his system, and placed him in a holding cell without water or monitoring. The lawsuit says staff delayed responding to people calling for help, that he became unresponsive, and that he would have survived with prompt care. The county and Sheriff Austin Garrett have been sued for negligence.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). His family's lawsuit says jail staff found drugs in his system, left him in a holding cell without water or monitoring, and delayed responding to calls for help until he became unresponsive.
Reported by: his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued Hamilton County and Sheriff Austin Garrett, alleging negligence that led to his death at the Hamilton County Jail.