Investigators are considering the death of a local corrections officers to be a homicide.
A statement from Gov. Greg Abbott said an inmate committed the murder.
About 3 a.m. Saturday, officials at the French Robertson Unit found 7-year officer Mari Johnson unresponsive near the prison’s kitchen area, according to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice news release.
Lifesaving measures were initiated before she was taken to Hendrick Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The prison is located just northeast of Abilene, near Hamby.
The Office of Inspector General — TDCJ is investigating the incident as a homicide.
“Correctional officers have one of the most difficult jobs in all of state government protecting the public from dangerous individuals,” said Brad Livingston, TDCJ Executive Director. “Each day thousands of men and women in gray are carrying out that critical mission. This is a tragic reminder that carrying out that mission can lead to the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this state safe. She will never be forgotten. We will see that the offender who committed this cowardly act is held accountable.”
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott released a statement on Johnson's death.
"The State of Texas mourns for Mari Johnson, a correctional officer who was senselessly murdered last night by an inmate at the Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas. Like all those who faithfully serve, Mari was dedicated to protecting others, and her service will not be forgotten. Cecilia and I ask that all Texans keep the Johnson family in their thoughts and prayers in the aftermath of this unfathomably tragic event. Texas will ensure the perpetrator receives swift justice, and TDCJ has been instructed to take all necessary measures to enhance the safety of their staff to prevent such tragedies."
Dale Wainwright, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, said, “In times like these, it’s difficult to put into words the loss felt by the department when a correctional officer dies in the line of duty. I ask the public to remember their acts of unselfishness, remember their many acts of courage, and remember the dedication and commitment demonstrated every day by correctional officers. Please pray for this officer’s friends, family, and the department during this time.”
Investigators with the Office of Inspector General — TDCJ are at the location and processing the crime scene. As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, the agency will not be releasing any additional information at this time.
The French Robertson Unit is an all-male inmate prison. According to the TDCJ website, it can house almost 3,000 prisoners and is approved to have 510 security personnel and 106 non-security employees.
Johnson's death comes a year after the last on-duty slaying of a Texas corrections officer. Timothy Davison, 38, was attacked by an inmate in July 2015 at the Telford Unit near Texarkana in far northeast Texas. The inmate, Billy Joel Tracy, 38, already was serving a life prison term and now is awaiting trial for capital murder.
Copyright 2016 Abilene Reporter-News, Texas
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