Ryan Cagle, an organizer of the #justicefortonymitchell movement, addressed the Walker County Commission on Monday morning, marking 247 days since the untimely death of Tony Mitchell in the custody of the Walker County Sheriff’s Department. Cagle mentioned concern that a records request made by the group has been seemingly “ignored” by the county.
Cagle reminded the commission that it has been 210 days since representatives of the Tony Mitchell group first came to speak with them, delivering thousands of signatures from voters in the county who are demanding change.
Cagle expressed his disappointment in the lack of response to a records request made by the group, which was submitted 143 days ago to the Walker County jail and subsequently to county commissioners. After the meeting, Cagle told The Community Journal that a county attorney told him that day the requests “must have gotten lost in the shuffle.”
“This is even more frustrating given the fact that this records request was not only mailed, and faxed, but was also hand delivered to each county commissioner,” Cagle said. “This record request, and the lack of response, has been mentioned in no less than 11 meetings, many of which the county attorney was present, with the county commission.
“Despite this reality we are just now hearing for the first time, 143 days since the initial request was submitted, that the county attorney has not even seen it,” Cagle added. “While the attorney was more than happy to provide his direct contact, so I could submit it to him directly, this situation is wholly unacceptable, and utterly ridiculous. We will now, after nearly 150 days, resubmit the request once again.”
Commission Chairman Steve Miller did not respond to a request from The Community Journal to comment on the lack of response to the records request.
Copies of the request are attached below.
During his comments, Cagle brought up the proposal for a non-police-operated mobile response unit, which was presented to the commission 104 days ago. This unit would address cases of substance abuse, wellness checks, behavioral disservices, and noise complaints, potentially reducing the financial burden on the county.
“I understand your busy schedule, but I urge you to take action and prioritize the development of this unit,” he told commissioners.
Expressing his gratitude for the productive meetings and fruitful conversations they have had, Cagle admitted feeling conflicted and frustrated due to the lack of follow-up from the commission.
Cagle emphasized the urgency of the situation, with lives being lost every day, and expressed his fear for his family, neighbors and the county if nothing is done to address the issue.
Cagle concluded his address by referencing a quote from Jesus of Nazareth, stating that a tree is known by its fruit, asking commissioners, “what fruit will you bear as neighbors, constituents, and siblings in faith?”
“Bear the fruit of love and justice by standing for accountability in the county and investing in a holistic approach to the opioid and mental health crises,” he said.
