FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2024
Contact: media@texascivilrightsproject.org
After years in juvenile prison, Joshua Beasley was sent to adult prison and died by suicide six months later
AUSTIN, TX – Today, the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), Winston & Strawn LLP, and Palmer Perlstein filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), medical provider for both systems, over the wrongful death of sixteen-year-old Joshua Keith Beasley Jr., who died by suicide in March of 2023. TCRP and Winston & Strawn represent Amnisty Freelen, Joshua’s mother, who had been sounding the alarm over Joshua’s treatment long before his death. Joshua’s father, Joshua Beasley Sr., is represented by Palmer Perlstein. View the filing here.
“This lawsuit gives me a lot of hope that we can change the system for all the kids still inside, so no more mothers have to go through what I did. The lawsuit keeps Joshua and his story alive. I’ll never have full closure because my son died there, but this lawsuit means there’s some accountability, and a possibility of change for the other kids suffering,” said Amnisty Freelen (she/her).
Joshua, who had been incarcerated since age eleven, struggled with mental health all his life, and his symptoms only worsened in custody. When he turned sixteen, he was sent from the juvenile to the adult system despite a continuous pattern of self-harm and clear mental health needs. He died by suicide in his cell at the Wayne Scott Unit. On behalf of Joshua’s parents and his estate, the suit alleges that TDCJ, TJJD, and UTMB staff and officials violated the Eighth Amendment and that TDCJ, TJJD, and UTMB violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), leading to Joshua’s death.
“Incarcerating children in adult facilities far from their families and communities is unsafe and cruel. The carceral system is no place for any child, much less a child like Joshua with complex mental health needs.” said Molly Petchenik, Staff Attorney for the Criminal Legal Program at the Texas Civil Rights Project. “Locking kids up only compounds their mental health struggles. We are demanding not only accountability for what happened to Joshua but changes to the system so that no more Texas children are forced to endure this injustice.”
This case comes on the heels of a years-long investigation by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that uncovered widespread constitutional and other violations at each of TJJD’s five facilities. The DOJ’s report confirms the inhumane treatment TJJD forced Joshua and hundreds of other children to endure and underscores the need for widespread change and accountability.
“As alleged in the Complaint, Joshua was first incarcerated at the age of eleven. Without adequate mental health treatment in TJJD, he was repeatedly punished for behaviors driven by his disability, which created a self-perpetuating cycle. This, coupled with the decision to send Joshua to the adult prison system when he was just sixteen years old, had devastating consequences for Joshua. Our hope is that Joshua’s death will serve as a catalyst to promote change and protect future incarcerated youth” said Robine Morrison, Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP.
“Joshua’s death is troubling not only due to his young age, but also the pattern of self-harm he exhibited while entrusted in the care of TDCJ, TJJD, and UTMB. By filing this lawsuit, we aim to shed light on the systemic failures in how mental health is treated within both juvenile and adult facilities—because no one should be left to suffer behind bars. Joshua was severely mistreated during his time in custody, and his death is a stark reminder that our most vulnerable citizens deserve more” said Breanta Boss, Civil Rights Attorney at Palmer Perlstein.
To schedule an interview with Joshua’s mother, Amnisty Freelen, or with one of TCRP’s lawyers on this case please contact media@texascivilrightsproject.org for scheduling.
To schedule an interview with one of Joshua Beasley Sr.’s lawyers on this case please contact james@palmerperlstein.com for scheduling.
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The Texas Civil Rights Project is boldly serving the movement for equality and justice in and out of the courts. We use our tools of litigation and legal advocacy to protect and advance the civil rights of everyone in Texas, and we partner with communities across the state to serve the rising movement for social justice. We undertake our work with a vision of a Texas in which all communities can thrive with dignity, justice and without fear.
About Palmer Perlstein
Based in Dallas, Texas, Palmer Perlstein maintains a nationwide practice dedicated to fighting injustice with a focus in representing people who have had their Constitutional rights violated by law enforcement officials by way of excessive force, deliberate indifference to medical care, and wrongful arrests. For more information, visit www.palmerperlstein.com or call (214) 987-4100.
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