TEXAS – The family of a correctional officer who died after trying to restrain an inmate at the Wainwright Unit in Lovelady, Texas spoke out on Monday after seeing the video of the incident.
Jovian Motely, a 27-year-old TDCJ Correctional Officer, died on Nov. 13 while trying to restrain an inmate.
Jovian’s mother, Tammica Motely, said she was not immediately notified about her son’s incident and had to drive to the facility where her son worked to learn about his death.
Upon arrival, Tammica said it was confirmed that Jovian, along with four other officers, were sent in to get an unruly inmate from his cell but her son did not come out alive. She then had to identify Jovian’s body. She also said she was not allowed to touch or have a moment with her son.
Since her son’s death, Tammica said she has been demanding to view the video which shows the incident between her son and the inmate.
“I want real answers, I want real accountability, I want justice, I want to know what happened to my son on that night,” Tammica continued. “And if it was four other guards, they should’ve had his back, because my son would’ve had their back. My son would’ve made sure that he protected his men.”
On Monday, the family said the TDCJ made them wait in the lobby for over 20 minutes, dictating who could see the video and who could not.
“They’ve gone on record publically confessing that Jovian is a hero. Is this the way that you treat the mother and the family of a hero?” said community activist Deric Muhammad.
Tammica said she has waited three weeks for answers to what happened to her son, and despite seeing the video, she said she is not satisfied.
“As a mother, I am not satisfied. I will say that, I still feel that I am at square one. I still feel that we do not have the answers that we need to know what happened to Jovian Motley on Nov. 13. I am disappointed,” Tammica said after viewing the video.
The mother said she believes there’s more to the story and something TDCJ and the facilities’ officials are trying to cover up.
“I want to speak to those correctional officers that say that they love my son. Speak out. Say something. Tell the truth. We’re not going to stop until we get the truth. My son did not have to die,” Tammica said.
The Office of Inspector General is investigating this case. TDCJ said they are not releasing more information while the investigation continues.