In December 2018, a tragic incident unfolded outside a Walmart in Palm Bay, Florida, when 38-year-old former U.S. Army medic, Marcus Stone, was arrested. The following day, he was pronounced dead while still in police custody. Official statements from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office attributed his death to a “medical emergency,” but this explanation omits critical details about the circumstances leading to his demise.
During his arrest, Stone experienced a violent confrontation with law enforcement officers after failing to comply with orders to move toward booking and fingerprinting. Reports indicate that multiple officers—up to seven—used excessive force, including kicks, punches, pepper spray, and tasers. They also placed a spit hood over his head, restrained him in a chair, and isolated him in a room.
Approximately twenty minutes later, an officer observed through a cloudy window that Stone seemed unwell. Upon entering the room, they removed the hood and attempted to wipe away the mace from his face, only to find him unresponsive. Emergency services were summoned, and he was transported to a hospital, where life support was discontinued the next evening.
It is vital to note that Marcus Stone was suffering from PTSD and was likely experiencing a psychotic episode during his arrest. His wife, Emily Stone, informed the officers on the scene of his mental health struggles. He had shown erratic behavior, a common sign of PTSD exacerbated by the holiday season, which often triggers distressing memories for many veterans.
In fact, Stone had previously received treatment for PTSD-related psychosis under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows for the involuntary commitment of individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. In 2017, he had experienced severe symptoms, including paranoia. According to Emily, she was concerned for his safety, fearing he might harm himself, which further underscores the need for a proper psychological evaluation at the time of his arrest.
Instead of being taken to a mental health facility, Stone was incarcerated, where surveillance footage documented the altercation leading to his tragic death. However, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the state attorney’s office have declined to release this footage. The autopsy report cited “excited delirium” as the cause of death, yet Dr. Andrew Thompson, the chief medical examiner, has publicly questioned these findings, stating that the autopsy did not adequately clarify the circumstances of Stone’s death.
Adding to the troubling nature of this incident is Sheriff David Johnson’s refusal to allow independent investigations into officer-involved incidents, claiming authority over his department’s conduct. This lack of transparency raises significant concerns about accountability within law enforcement.
Sheriff Johnson is known for his controversial views, advocating for widespread firearm ownership and permitting questionable restraint techniques within his department. His public persona is furthered by his “Fugitive Wheel” segment, where he gamifies the search for wanted individuals, illustrating a disturbing approach to law enforcement.
Marcus Stone deserved to receive appropriate mental health care instead of incarceration. His wife alerted the arresting officers to his mental state, but their neglect of this information contributed to a tragic outcome. In the wake of growing public scrutiny surrounding police conduct, especially following high-profile cases of violence against civilians, the Stone family has renewed their calls for justice.
Emily continues to advocate for transparency, utilizing social media platforms to share her story under the hashtag #justiceformarcus. Despite her efforts, she has yet to gain access to the surveillance footage that could shed light on the events leading to her husband’s death. For more context on similar issues, check out our post on community support here and visit Healthline for valuable resources regarding mental health and well-being.
In summary, the tragic death of Marcus Stone while in police custody raises serious questions about the treatment of individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system. It highlights the urgent need for reforms that prioritize mental health care over incarceration, particularly for veterans struggling with PTSD.