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Abilene Texas Corrections Officer Killed By Prisoner

By Becky Barton
Published on: 22:26 PST, Jul 16, 2016

On Saturday, July 16, 2016, a male prisoner murdered a guard at the Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas.

Abilene authorities found Officer Mari Johnson not far from the kitchen area of the correctional facility. An ambulance transported Johnson to Hendrick Medical Center, where doctors pronounced her dead after multiple resuscitation efforts failed. Officer Johnson was 55-years-old.

WLTX 19 reported on Officer Johnson’s death, and mentioned Governor Greg Abbott’s statement on the murder. Although the full account of the incident was not released, Abbott announced that justice would prevail.

“Like all those who faithfully serve, Mari was dedicated to protecting others, and her service will not be forgotten. 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. 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.”

NBC News reported that the name of the prisoner who killed Officer Johnson was also not released to the press. Jason Clark, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, made a statement regarding the details.

“The agency’s Office of Inspector General was investigating and that no additional details would be released yet.”

Executive director of the department, Brad Livingston, acknowledged the danger involved for correctional officers.

“Correctional officers have one of the most difficult jobs in all of state government protecting the public from dangerous individuals. 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.”

Officer Johnson spent seven years employed within the prison system. The Robertson Unit is an all male facility with over 3,000 inmates and about 500 guards.

Dale Wainwright, from the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, requested prayers for officer Johnson’s loved ones in their time of grief.

“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.”

Livingston reassured the public of the Abilene authorities’ and the Department of Criminal Justice’s vigilance and promised justice for Officer Johnson.

“We will see that the offender who committed this cowardly act is held accountable.”

Lt. Governor Patrick issued his own statement regarding the murder of the Abilene officer to the Gilmer Mirror.

“Last night, Texas correctional officer, Mari Johnson was murdered by an inmate at the Robertson Unit in Abilene. I expect a thorough investigation into this tragedy so that the perpetrator is brought to justice. At a time when law enforcement officer deaths are becoming more common I urge all Texans to remember that these brave men and women risk their lives daily, to protect ours. Please keep our law enforcement officers in your thoughts and prayers. Jan and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Texas correctional officer Mari Johnson.”

Officer Johnson died one year after another corrections officer was beaten to death by a Texarkana prisoner. Lifer Billy Joel Tracy killed Officer Timothy Davidson and the Telford Unit where he is incarcerated added capital murder charges to his record. The official trial is still pending.

[Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images]

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