A tragic incident unfolded at an Ellis County, Texas jail, claiming the life of 28-year-old detention officer Isaiah Bias. Sheriff Brad Norman, in a Tuesday press conference, confirmed Bias's death on Monday, allegedly at the hands of inmate Aaron Thompson, 45.
Sheriff Norman expressed profound sorrow, describing Bias as a dedicated officer with over six years of service to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office. He characterized Thompson's alleged actions as "pure evil." While the specific details surrounding Bias's death remain undisclosed, Norman emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that his staff had "dealt with pure evil" in the aftermath of the incident.
Thompson now faces a capital murder charge, with Sheriff Norman advocating for the death penalty. The final decision rests with the district attorney's office. According to a KDFW-obtained arrest warrant affidavit, Thompson allegedly punched Bias, causing him to fall. The affidavit further alleges Thompson then choked and repeatedly struck Bias in the head with his fist, knee, and foot before leaving him in a "large pool of blood."
Thompson, who had been in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, was booked last month on charges of assault on a public servant and evading arrest. Sheriff Norman shared a personal connection with Bias, having known him since his teenage years in the jail's explorer program. He spoke of Bias's aspiration for a law enforcement career and his love for the job. Norman also highlighted Bias's close family ties, noting that he had recently become an uncle, a joy he experienced just a week before his tragic death. The Texas Rangers are leading the murder investigation. Thompson's bond has been set at $2 million.
