Walker County Deputies Indicted for Brutal Assault on Tony Mitchell as Sheriff’s Office Wipes Social Media Accounts
Deputies Carl Carpenter and James Handley were indicted on charges of using excessive force against Tony Mitchell.
In a series of troubling events, two deputies from the Walker County Sheriff's Office in Alabama have been indicted for allegedly assaulting Tony Mitchell, a 33-year-old man who later died in custody. Following these indictments, both the official Facebook page of the Walker County Sheriff's Office and the personal page of Sheriff Nick Smith were deactivated.
Deputy Indictments and Allegations
Deputies Carl Carpenter and James Handley were indicted on charges of using excessive force against Tony Mitchell during his arrest in January 2023. The indictment alleges that while Mitchell was handcuffed, Carpenter stepped on him, rendering him unable to walk. Subsequently, both deputies are accused of dragging, kicking, and slamming Mitchell onto a police vehicle. Handley faces an additional charge of witness tampering for allegedly providing false testimony to a grand jury investigating the incident.
Mitchell's arrest occurred after a family member requested a welfare check, reporting that he had been discussing "portals to hell" and had allegedly fired a weapon at officers. While in custody, Mitchell was confined to a concrete cell without basic amenities or medical care, leading to his death from sepsis and hypothermia two weeks later. Investigations revealed that at least ten jail employees have pleaded guilty to charges related to Mitchell's death, highlighting a deeply troubling culture within the facility.
Deactivation of Social Media Accounts
Amid the public outcry following the indictments, the Walker County Sheriff's Office deactivated its official Facebook page, and Sheriff Nick Smith removed his personal profile from the platform. This move has drawn attention and speculation, with some community members expressing concerns about transparency and communication from the Sheriff's Office during this critical period.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The deactivation of these social media accounts has left many in the community seeking answers. The lack of official communication has fueled discussions about accountability and the need for systemic reforms within the Sheriff's Office.
As the legal proceedings against Deputies Carpenter and Handley progress, the Walker County community awaits further information regarding the circumstances surrounding Tony Mitchell's death and the measures that will be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
