Dec 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 12

AROUND THE COUNTRY
LOVELADY, TX.
Texas Correctional Officer Jovian Motley dies while
attempting to restrain an inmate at TDC.
LOVELADY, TX (KTRK) - A
family is demanding answers
after a corrections officer died
in a Lovelady, Texas, prison unit
on Monday, November 13th.
The Texas Department of
Criminal Justice announced
on Tuesday, November 14, that
27-year-old Jovian Motley
died at the Wainwright Unit in
Houston County.
Authorities said the incident
happened while Motley was
helping other officers restrain
an inmate.
Motley’s family wants to
know what happened and is
holding a news conference
Tuesday evening. Family members
say they did not get officially
notified by TDCJ and have
received no answers.
The family says it demands
that those responsible for Motley’s
death be held accountable.
The TDCJ says there is an
ongoing criminal investigation
and will not release any further
information.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued
a statement following Motley’s
death:
“Texas grieves for the loss
of one of its brave correctional
officers, who selflessly put
his life on the line each day to
protect his community, fellow
officers, and Texans. We must
never take for granted the service
and sacrifice of our correctional
officers. Cecilia and I pray
for Officer Jovian Motley and
his family and ask all Texans
to keep his loved ones in their
prayers during this heartbreaking
time.”
Officials said Motley had
joined the agency in October
2022.
“Officer Motley was a hero
DEPUTY TUCKER BLAKELY
who tragically died while
protecting his fellow officers
and the public,” TDCJ Executive
Director Bryan Collier said. “His
courage and dedication will
forever be remembered. We are
praying for his family, friends
and co-workers during this difficult
time.”
34 The Blues 40th Anniversary Issue