Two Alabama jail guards face murder and assault charges after allegedly using a Taser repeatedly on a diabetic inmate who was too weak to stand, leading to his death. The case has drawn attention to the use of force in correctional facilities, particularly when inmates exhibit signs of medical distress rather than resistance.
Arthur P. Morse, 23, died in a hospital on February 6 after what officials initially described as a “medical event” at the Blount County Detention Center in Oneonta. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency later determined the incident involved the use of force by guards Joseph Evans, 26, and Liletzy Valdez-Carbajal, 19. The shift from a medical explanation to criminal charges shows the severity of the allegations and the potential for misconduct to be initially downplayed or mischaracterized in correctional settings.
Guards accused of dry stunning incapacitated inmate
Probable cause documents obtained by local media allege Evans and Valdez-Carbajal “dry stunned” Morse multiple times with a Taser while he was incapacitated by diabetic ketoacidosis. The condition occurs when the body lacks sufficient insulin, causing a dangerous buildup of acids in the bloodstream. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention, typically involving intravenous fluids and insulin therapy. The fact that Morse was reportedly unable to walk or stand suggests his condition had progressed to a critical stage, where even minor physical stress could have fatal consequences.
Dry stunning involves pressing a Taser directly against the body and firing it without deploying the device’s probes. Unlike standard Taser use, which relies on electrical currents passing between two probes to disrupt muscle control, dry stunning delivers a concentrated shock at close range. This method is often considered more dangerous because it increases the risk of cardiac complications, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions. Tasers, while classified as non-lethal weapons, have been linked to deaths when used improperly or on vulnerable individuals, including those with heart conditions or metabolic disorders.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office said both guards were no longer employed at the jail. “When the incident leading to their arrest occurred, we immediately notified the ALEA Investigation Division and turned the matter over to them for investigation,” Sgt. Jason Paul told reporters. “Today, we were notified of indictments and assisted ALEA in making the arrests.” The sheriff’s office’s swift action in terminating the guards and cooperating with state investigators contrasts with cases in other jurisdictions where allegations of misconduct have been met with delays or internal resistance. However, the lack of public statements beyond the initial confirmation of their departures leaves questions about whether additional oversight or policy changes have been implemented at the facility.
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Prosecutors presented the case to a grand jury, which returned indictments against Evans and Valdez-Carbajal. The charges came after a months-long investigation into Morse’s death, during which authorities reviewed surveillance footage, medical records, and witness statements. Grand jury proceedings are typically closed to the public, meaning details about the evidence presented remain undisclosed. The decision to pursue murder charges, rather than lesser offenses such as manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide, suggests prosecutors believe the guards’ actions demonstrated a reckless or intentional disregard for Morse’s life.
This isn’t just another case of excessive force—it’s a failure of basic human decency. When someone is visibly unable to move, the response should be medical care, not punishment. Correctional facilities are legally obligated to provide adequate healthcare to inmates, and the use of force is generally permitted only when necessary to maintain safety or prevent harm. The fact that these guards allegedly used a weapon designed for subduing combative individuals on a man who couldn’t even stand speaks to a systemic disregard for inmate welfare. The incident raises broader concerns about training standards for correctional officers, particularly in recognizing and responding to medical emergencies. Many jails and prisons rely on staff with minimal medical training to assess inmate health, which can lead to delayed or inappropriate interventions.
Morse was serving a short sentence for probation violation
Morse had been jailed for 15 days after violating probation from a 2025 DUI conviction. His death occurred less than halfway through that sentence. Probation violations, which can include failing drug tests, missing appointments, or committing new offenses, are among the most common reasons individuals are incarcerated in the U.S. Short-term jail sentences are often intended to serve as a deterrent or a brief period of reflection, but they can also expose individuals to risks within the correctional system, particularly for those with chronic health conditions. Diabetic inmates, for example, require consistent access to medication, proper nutrition, and monitoring to prevent complications like ketoacidosis. The brevity of Morse’s sentence may have contributed to a perception that his incarceration was low-risk, yet the outcome highlights how even brief confinement can turn deadly when basic medical needs are ignored.
Evans and Valdez-Carbajal were taken into custody following the indictments. As of Tuesday afternoon, both remained in jail, though their next court dates had not been set. The legal process for cases involving correctional officers can be complex, as prosecutors must often overcome the presumption that law enforcement personnel act in good faith. Defense attorneys may argue that the guards were following protocol or that Morse’s death resulted from his pre-existing medical condition rather than their actions. However, the grand jury’s decision to indict suggests there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately determine guilt or innocence.
The Blount County Detention Center, located about 35 miles northeast of Birmingham, has not publicly commented on the case beyond confirming the guards’ departures. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency declined to release additional details, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. The facility, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates, operates under the authority of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. While the jail’s policies on use of force and medical care are not publicly available, the incident has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in how such cases are investigated and addressed. Advocacy groups have long criticized the lack of independent oversight in correctional facilities, arguing that internal investigations are prone to bias and conflicts of interest. The involvement of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, a state-level entity, may help ensure a more impartial review, though the outcome of the criminal case will likely shape public perception of the agency’s effectiveness in holding officers accountable.
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