LOVELADY, Texas — A correctional officer died Monday while trying to help restrain an inmate, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
He has been identified as Jovian Motley, 27. Motley was working at the Wainwright Unit in Houston County, Texas -- which is just north of Huntsville.
The Office of Inspector General is investigating Motley’s death. TDCJ said it will not release any more information since it's a criminal investigation.
“Officer Motley was a hero who tragically died while protecting his fellow officers and the public,” TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said. “His courage and dedication will forever be remembered. We are praying for his family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time.”
“Officer Motley demonstrated unwavering commitment to serving his community and gave his life for others,” Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Nichols said. “His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the bravery exhibited every day by the men and women in corrections. He will never be forgotten.”
Motley's cause of death has not been revealed, leaving his family with more questions than answers.
"When I called the prison I couldn’t get any answers," Tammica Motley said. "There was a five-man team that went to extract an inmate."
She said she was told that the cell was dark and the inmate was unruly. She also said she was told that he was the first one to enter but wondered what the other four officers were doing. It's a scenario that she said just doesn't add up.
"How is the strength of five men not enough to subdue the one man?" Tammica said.
In the end, the family said they don't think the guards should have gone into the cell.
"They tried pepper spray on the inmate. That didn't work. ... He was unruly. Keep him in the cell. Nobody had to go in. My son would till be here today. A bad call was made and it cost him his life," Tammica said.
Gov. Greg Abbott also had words to say about Motley: “Texas grieves for the loss of one of its brave correctional officers, who selflessly put his life on the line each day to protect his community, fellow officers, and Texans. We must never take for granted the service and sacrifice of our correctional officers. Cecilia and I pray for Officer Jovian Motley and his family and ask all Texans to keep his loved ones in their prayers during this heartbreaking time.“
Motley joined the agency in October 2022 and his family members said he loved his job.
We reached out to the department to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Motley’s death. They said no further information would be given.