Table of Contents
Convicted in Brutal Prison Beating: Essex County Prosecutors
Overview:
Two Essex County inmates were convicted of attempted murder for a vicious assault on another inmate that took place in September 2021.1
The attack involved multiple weapons, including a microwave oven, resulting in serious charges for the perpetrators.
Incident Details:
- On June 14, authorities announced that seven inmates at the Essex County jail in Newark had brutally attacked Jayshawn Boyd.
- The assailants, identified as Byad Lockett and Darryl Watson, used a microwave oven, a beverage dispenser, a broom, and other objects to beat Boyd unconscious.
- The incident unfolded as a prison guard rushed to seek help.
Specific Actions During the Assault:
- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II provided details on the specific actions during the assault.
- Lockett and Watson, in addition to punching and stomping on Boyd’s head, struck him multiple times with a microwave oven.
- Watson went further, throwing a water cooler and a trash can at Boyd’s head.
Involvement of Other Inmates:
Isaad Jackson, another inmate, participated in the assault by throwing a mop bucket full of water at Boyd and striking him in the head with a multi-gallon beverage dispenser.
Charges and Verdict:
Lockett and Watson faced various charges, including first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, and third-degree possession of a microwave for an unlawful purpose.
Jackson was convicted of third-degree attempted murder, with a jury deadlocked on more severe charges against him.
Sentencing Information:
The sentencing for the convicted individuals is scheduled for September. Watson, who was separately convicted of murder, is set to be sentenced on June 27.
Lockett is currently serving a 12-year sentence for conspiracy to commit murder, and Jackson has a pending homicide charge.
I’m at the steps of the Essex County Hall of Records where activists are calling out guards, oversight committees& prison officials after Jayshawn Boyd was brutally beaten for over 2 min at the Essex County jail. He recently came out of a coma but continues fighting for his life. pic.twitter.com/COfQbOKW4J
— Sophie Nieto-Muñoz (@snietomunoz) December 8, 2021
He Went to Jail on Minor Charges. He Left in a Coma.
Jayshawn Boyd, a 22-year-old with schizophrenia, faced a harrowing experience at the Essex County jail in Newark. Attacked by fellow detainees in a brutal incident caught on video, he now lies in a coma, the aftermath of a shocking assault that lasted over two minutes.2
The Attack
- On September 23, surveillance footage revealed the disturbing nature of the assault.
- Seven men in the jail day room ruthlessly knocked Mr. Boyd to the floor, stomping on his head.
- The attack continued as they used various objects, including a microwave, water cooler, broom, and an industrial bucket filled with bleach.
- Despite losing consciousness, the assault persisted for more than two minutes and 11 seconds, with no intervention from guards.
Consequences
As a result of the severe brain injury sustained during the attack, Jayshawn Boyd now faces significant challenges.
He is unable to walk or eat solid food independently, and his short-term memory has been damaged. The attackers, each charged with attempted murder, are now under investigation by county prosecutors.
Family’s Struggle
Jayshawn’s family, particularly his parents Nacolia Boyd and Shawn Bouknight, are grappling with the aftermath.
With Jayshawn slowly recovering and regaining minimal speech, the family is awaiting a full recovery, while also facing the emotional toll of the incident.
Legal Action
The incident has prompted legal action from the family. Attorney Brooke M. Barnett, representing them, has filed a claim in anticipation of a lawsuit.
The call for accountability echoes concerns about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Broader Context
- The brutal assault adds to the growing concerns about safety and security within correctional facilities.
- The incident occurred amidst staff shortages in state prisons and county jails, exacerbating challenges and leading to alarming gaps in security.
- This broader context highlights the urgency of addressing issues within the criminal justice system, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.
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Inmate’s Death at Essex County Jail Annex
An Essex County inmate, Garrison Bryant, aged 33, passed away on February 22, 2022, while in custody at a privately-run jail annex. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.3
Background on Garrison Bryant
Garrison Bryant had pleaded guilty in January to a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
He was awaiting sentencing later in the month.
Incidents in County Custody
Bryant’s death marks the third incident since September involving an inmate’s death or serious injury while in county custody. Jayshawn Boyd was attacked with a microwave by other inmates in September, resulting in a coma.
Dan Gelin, a 27-year-old pretrial detainee, died in December, allegedly stabbed and returned to his cell instead of being taken to a hospital. The Attorney General is investigating this case.
Revelation of Bryant’s Death
The Prosecutor’s Office and Essex County officials did not publicly announce Bryant’s death, but NJ Advance Media confirmed it.
Brooke Barnett, an attorney hired by Bryant’s family, revealed that Bryant was involved in a fight on or about February 20, during which he was struck in the head from behind with a broomstick.
Medical Attention and Unfortunate Outcome
- Bryant complained of head pain and displayed difficulty speaking after the incident.
- He sought medical attention from the facility’s staff, received medication for his head pain, but was later found unconscious by inmates.
- He was transported to University Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Legal Considerations
Barnett mentioned that the family is contemplating a lawsuit.
The Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy, but the official cause of death is pending.
The family aims to have a second autopsy conducted by a private forensic pathologist.
Facility and Context
Garrison Bryant was housed in Delaney Hall, a private facility adjacent to the jail owned by The GEO Group, a private prison company.
The facility focuses on providing care to Essex County’s lower-level inmates, emphasizing substance abuse rehabilitation and efforts to reduce recidivism.
Operating Procedures Review
- In light of recent incidents, there is an ongoing review of operating procedures at the Essex County jail, including security, staffing, and employee responsibilities.
- Retired Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose is leading the review, estimating completion in about three months.
- He refrained from commenting on Bryant’s death until the Prosecutor’s Office concludes its investigation.
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Jayshawn Boyd Obituary: A Tragic End to a Life Marred by Injustice
In a devastating turn of events, Jayshawn Boyd, a young man who faced a brutal assault at Essex County jail in September 2021, has succumbed to the lasting effects of the grievous attack, ultimately losing his life.
This tragic incident marked the beginning of a journey filled with adversity for Boyd and his family.4
The Merciless Assault and Its Consequences
The merciless beating that left Boyd with permanent brain damage not only inflicted physical harm but set the stage for a series of challenges that would severely impact his health.
Despite his remarkable will to survive, Boyd’s health deteriorated, leading to his untimely death. His passing has left behind a void that cannot be filled.
Jayshawn Boyd’s Life: Dreams Shattered Within Correctional Walls
Born with dreams and aspirations, Boyd’s life took an unexpected turn within the walls of the correctional facility.
His obituary serves as a poignant reminder of a life marred by injustice, highlighting the struggles he faced during his time in confinement.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The obituary not only recounts the circumstances of Boyd’s tragic end but also emphasizes the resilience he displayed in the face of unimaginable adversity. Friends, family, and supporters mourn the loss of a young life forever altered by an act of brutality.
Systemic Issues in the Correctional System
The aftermath of Boyd’s death brings renewed attention to the systemic issues within the correctional system.
It raises questions about the conditions and safety of inmates, shedding light on the need for reforms within the criminal justice system.
Legal Pursuit for Accountability
The legal pursuit by the Boyd family against the county and correction officials continues, underlining the need for accountability and reform.
This ongoing legal battle serves as a call to address the flaws within the criminal justice system and seek justice for those who have suffered similar fates.
Jayshawn Boyd’s Legacy
As the community grapples with the profound impact of Jayshawn Boyd’s untimely passing, his memory becomes a symbol of the ongoing struggle for justice.
His story highlights the urgent need to address the flaws within the criminal justice system and work towards creating a system that ensures the safety and well-being of those in custody.
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