BIRMINGHAM, Ala.(WBRC) – Grayson Woods appeared in federal court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to deprivation of his rights under the law in connection with the civil rights investigation into the 2023 death of inmate Tony Mitchell.

He is expected to confess his guilt in the coming weeks.

Forest one of six defendants In this case, it was he who witnessed Mitchell’s physical and mental health deteriorate while he was incarcerated in the Walker County Jail.

Court records show Mitchell was denied basic care and slept naked on the cold, cement floor. He was eventually transported by deputies to the hospital where he died. Mitchell was arrested for allegedly shooting at deputies who were conducting a welfare check at his home.

Woods’ lawyer, Matt Hart, pointed out the ‘horrific circumstances’ of this case and the wrongdoings associated with Mitchell’s treatment in prison.

“My client, Mr. Woods, was the most junior member of staff at the prison,” Hart explained. “He was only 21 years old. He had only been working for a few months and had no training when this occurred. He regrets and deeply regrets that he did not do more to prevent what happened there.”

Court filings reference a culture at the Walker County Jail that caused some defendants to avoid reporting Mitchell’s condition to outside authorities.

“My client was a teenager who didn’t have a lot of experience in life and wasn’t equipped to evaluate everything that was out there,” Hart added.

So far, Joshua Jones pleaded guilty in this situation. Karen KellyHeather Craig, Bailey Ganey And David Wyers A criminal complaint was also filed in this case.

New arrests are expected.

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