Jacilet Griffin, founder of “From Custody to Casket,” after her son was murdered in Harris County Jail.

Jacilet Griffin formed “From Custody to Casket” after her son was murdered in the Harris County Jail over a year ago. The Texas Rangers investigated his murder after the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide. The Sheriff’s Office continually lied about the circumstances, once claiming he might have died from food poisoning, then claiming he might have died from a friendly game of slapboxing.

Jacilet Griffin on her son’s murder in Harris County jail.

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The story of Jacilet Griffin stands as a stark reminder of the systemic failings plaguing our criminal justice system. Jacilet Griffin, a mother turned activist, founded the organization “From Custody to Casket” following the harrowing and unjust death of her son in the Harris County Jail. This tragic incident exposes the deep-seated issues within our penal system and highlights the resilience and determination of those seeking to reform it.

Griffin’s son, Evan Lee, a 31-year-old high school and college graduate, represented much more than a statistic in the criminal justice system. He was a working citizen, a community contributor, and an individual who overcame mental health challenges. His life, full of potential and promise, was abruptly and unjustly cut short within the confines of a system ostensibly designed to protect and serve the community.

Evan’s journey into the criminal justice system began with an arrest in Fort Bend County. This arrest, based on a previously dismissed case, was a clear instance of racial profiling – a manifestation of the systemic racism that plagues our society. Evan was not engaged in any illegal activity at the time of his arrest; he was simply walking, an act that, due to the color of his skin, made him a target for law enforcement. This is a glaring example of the “walking while black” phenomenon, where police disproportionately target African Americans.

The subsequent events that unfolded in the Harris County Jail are disturbing and indicate a broader issue. Evan was held for over 50 days due to a clerical error, a period during which Griffin tirelessly advocated for his release. The response from the judicial system was apathetic at best, reflecting a lack of accountability and transparency that is all too common in such institutions. Griffin’s struggle highlights the systemic barriers and bureaucratic indifference families often face when navigating the criminal justice system.

Evan’s death, ruled a homicide by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office, was a result of a violent encounter with jail staff. This incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of inmates, particularly those with mental health issues, within the carceral system. The fact that no video of the incident has been released to the public only adds to the opacity and lack of accountability that shrouds such cases.

In the wake of this tragedy, Griffin’s establishment of “From Custody to Casket” is a beacon of hope and a call to action. She aims to advocate for those within the criminal justice system, particularly individuals with mental health issues. It seeks to bring legislative change, promoting policies prioritizing rehabilitation and mental health support over incarceration. Griffin’s efforts, supported by representatives like Ron Reynolds, are instrumental in pushing for a more humane and just system.

The case of Evan Lee is a stark reminder of the racial disparities and systemic issues within the American criminal justice system. It is a system where individuals are often judged and treated based on the color of their skin rather than the content of their character. Griffin’s fight for justice and reform in the face of personal tragedy is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who refuse to accept the status quo. Her story is not just one of loss and grief but also hope and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Jacilet Griffin’s story is a powerful narrative that underscores the need for comprehensive reform in the criminal justice system. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic is a human story, a family, and a community affected. Griffin’s fight is not just for her son but for every individual whom a flawed system has unjustly treated. It’s a call to action for society to recognize these systemic issues and work collectively towards a more equitable and just system. Griffin’s courage and determination remind us of the power of resilience and the importance of advocating for change.

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