Second Walker County Jailer Pleads Guilty in Tony Mitchell’s Tragic Death: A Step Closer to Justice

The case surrounding the tragic death of Anthony “Tony” Mitchell in 2023 has taken a significant turn as a second corrections officer from Walker County Jail has agreed to plead guilty. This development sheds further light on the disturbing conditions Mitchell faced during his incarceration, leading to his untimely death.

Karen Kelly, another former jail officer, faces federal charges for deprivation of rights under the color of law, as revealed in court documents released Friday. Kelly, aware of the appalling conditions Mitchell endured, chose to stay silent out of fear of retribution from her superiors and to keep her job.

Earlier this month, another officer, Joshua “Conner” Jones, also entered a plea agreement related to Mitchell’s death, as well as a separate 2022 incident where an inmate was severely beaten.

“My client has taken full responsibility for her minimal involvement in this heartbreaking case,” said Kelly’s attorney, Brett Bloomston. “The toxic culture within Walker County Jail left her with few options to intervene without risking her own safety and job security. She sincerely hopes this tragedy will lead to significant reforms in jail policies and procedures.”

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith commented on the case, stating, “This brings us one step closer to uncovering the truth behind what really happened.” He refrained from further comments due to the ongoing investigation.

Tony Mitchell, a 33-year-old inmate, died on January 26, 2023, at Walker Baptist Medical Center. His death occurred just over two weeks after his arrest on charges of shooting at Walker County deputies responding to a welfare check.

The horrific details of Mitchell’s treatment during his time in the jail have since come to light, with the county coroner’s death certificate listing his death as a homicide, citing hypothermia and sepsis caused by infected injuries and medical neglect.

In March 2023, Margaret Mitchell, Tony’s mother, filed a federal lawsuit accusing jail deputies of tasing her son and locking him in a freezer, leading to his death. The lawsuit alleges extensive abuse and neglect by Sheriff Nick Smith and various jail staff members, including corrections officers, nurses, and an investigator.

While attorneys for the sheriff’s office have denied the freezer allegations, Mitchell’s family maintains that the claim was a probable explanation for his death, based on a physician’s analysis.

Court records reveal that Mitchell was housed in the notorious BK5 cell, often referred to as the “drunk tank.” Unlike other cells, BK5 was a cement box with a small drainage grate and lacked basic amenities like a sink, toilet, or bed. The cell was especially cold during the winter months, adding to the harsh conditions Mitchell faced.

During her night shifts from January 14th to 24th, Kelly observed Mitchell’s deteriorating condition. Despite his placement in BK5 supposedly for suicide watch, Kelly noticed that Mitchell was not treated like other suicide watch inmates. He was left naked, lying on the cold cement floor without a mat or blanket, and his cell was often filthy with feces and garbage.

Despite witnessing Mitchell’s physical and mental decline, Kelly did little to intervene. She feared retaliation from jail command staff and remained silent, even when Mitchell’s basic human needs were clearly not being met.

Kelly’s plea agreement highlights her belief that the jail’s command staff intentionally kept Mitchell in inhumane conditions that posed serious threats to his health and well-being. Despite these observations, Kelly did not report her concerns beyond her immediate supervisor, choosing instead to protect her job by avoiding further scrutiny.

A court date for Kelly has not yet been announced, but her plea marks another step toward justice in this deeply troubling case. The ongoing investigation continues to seek answers and accountability for the inhumane treatment that led to Tony Mitchell’s death.