For Immediate Release

Sharen Wilson
CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Contact: Samantha Jordan, Communications Officer
Monday, November 23, 2015

O: 817.884.3120, C: 817.914.4600
skjordan@tarrantcountytx.gov

Statement RE: Grand Jury decision involving
March 2015 incident at Arlington City Jail
Today, the Tarrant County Grand Jury returned indictments against two Arlington detention officers for the March
2015 incident at Arlington City Jail that resulted in the death of Jonathan Paul. Lead Detention Officer Steven
Schmidt and Detention Officer Pedro Medina were each indicted on the charge of Criminally Negligent Homicide.
This case was presented to the Grand Jury by Criminal Division Chief, Larry Moore and Deputy Criminal Division
Chief, Tiffany Burks, and as with all officer-involved fatality cases, the State made no recommendation to the
Grand Jury as to their findings. The Grand Jurors were given open access to all evidence in the case, including the
full 27+ hours of available video, and heard testimony from witnesses representing both the jailers and the victim.
This decision was made by an unbiased Grand Jury of Tarrant County citizens based solely on the facts. We
respect their decision, and the time commitment they have made to fulfill their service. This case will be scheduled with a Tarrant County criminal court, with a setting date to be announced at a future time.
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Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center  401 W. Belknap  Fort Worth, TX 76196  817.884.1400  cda.tarrantcounty.com