On Monday afternoon, December 16th, 28-year-old Ellis County Detention Officer Isaiah Bias was fatally assaulted while performing his duties at the Ellis County Jail, according to Sheriff Brad Norman.
The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. in a holding cell as Bias was returning the inmate to his cell. Inmate medical personnel began life-saving measures until Waxahachie Police Department and EMS arrived. Bias was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The inmate responsible for the assault, identified as Arron Semeion Thompson, 45, of Ennis, has been charged with capital murder. Thompson had been in custody at the Ellis County Jail since November 12 following his arrest by the Garrett Police Department. He was previously charged with three counts of Assault on a Public Servant and Evading Arrest Detention with a Previous Conviction.
Due to his violent history, Thompson was housed in a single cell, locked for 23 hours each day, and allowed out for one hour. Sheriff Norman would not comment on whether Bias was alone during the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
Thompson was arraigned on Tuesday with bond set at $2 million. Sheriff Norman stated he will recommend the death penalty to the Ellis County District Attorney's Office.
Bias had served with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office for over six years, beginning his career on January 19, 2016, after participating in the department’s Explorer Program as a teenager.
The Waxahachie Police Department released a statement honoring Bias: “We mourn the senseless and tragic loss of a public servant who dedicated the majority of his life to helping this community. Our hearts ache for his loved ones and his family who wear the uniform. Rest easy, Corporal Bias. Thank you for your service.”
The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation.
