Johnny Hendrix
Johnny Hendrix, 29, was from Rockford, and his family said he had mental health problems and had been homeless. He was held at Cook County Jail in Chicago when, according to his family's attorneys, another person held there attacked him, and he died on August 8, 2023. Body camera footage the attorneys provided describes the assault, and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide. The Cook County Sheriff's Office strongly denies the family's allegations, and the family has sued the sheriff's office and Sheriff Tom Dart, alleging the jail failed to protect him. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is investigating the death.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide from assault by another detainee, while the family's attorneys say the jail failed to protect him from that attack, and the sheriff's office strongly denies the family's allegations.
Reported by: Cook County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Hendrix family attorneys (family or their lawyers); Body camera account from a sheriff's officer (the agency that held him); Cook County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him).
Lawsuit: His family sued the Cook County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Tom Dart, alleging the jail failed to protect him, and no amount has been reported.