By Briasia Russ

Marvin Scott III was arrested from an outlet mall after authorities found less than two ounces of marijuana on him. Once detained, Scott began acting irregular, which led the officers to take Scott to the hospital.  

According to NBC, Scoot was pepper sprayed by the authorities and they covered his face with a spit mask. Shortly after, Scott became unresponsive and was pronounced dead.  

A Collin County TX Grand Jury just declined to indict 8 officers involved in the brutal death of #MarvinScottIII.

Marvin was arrested for possessing a single joint of marijuana. He was exhibiting signs of mental health crisis when COs entered his cell to restrain him. pic.twitter.com/Fk5ZypNq2D

— S. Lee Merritt, Esq. (@MeritLaw) June 22, 2021

Scott’s family said that he’s suffered from a mental health crisis, along with a medical examiners’ report of Scott’s previous diagnosis of schizophrenia.  

According to NBC, following Scott’s death, the eight officers who were responsible lost their jobs. Seven were fired and one stepped down. The grand jury has declined charging the eight officers for the death of Marvin Scott. The family waited fifteen minutes to symbolize the length of time officers spent detaining Scott.  

RELATED: Texas detention officers fired after death of Marvin Scott III

#NOW Family and supporters for Marvin Scott here at the Collin County Jail. Grand jury did not indict the 8 detention officers involved. Family says they are sitting for 15 minutes to symbolize the length of time officers spent in struggle with Scott before he died. @wfaa pic.twitter.com/pHiWB64Jz4

— Jobin Panicker (@jobinpnews) June 23, 2021

Marvin Scott’s family is extremely disappointed the GJ failed to bring charges in this case.

The evidence (unreleased video, spit-hood, OC spray, policy violations & a ME conclusion of homicide, provides more than sufficient probable cause for indictments. pic.twitter.com/f7n8ViBMAx

— S. Lee Merritt, Esq. (@MeritLaw) June 22, 2021

Civil rights lawyer, Lee Merritt, who is representing Scott’s case, said in a tweet that there was sufficient evidence for an indictment. The family attorney strongly believes that Scott was in need of mental help. Instead, he was detained and pepper sprayed.  

Marvin Scott’s family looks forward to review by a Federal Grand Jury of his in-custody death.

The failure of prosecutors to secure indictments in this matter reflects a trend in Texas of undervaluing the lives of African American’s suffering mental health crisis. pic.twitter.com/6myzquPHw8

— S. Lee Merritt, Esq. (@MeritLaw) June 22, 2021

Lee Merritt is working closely with Scott’s family to get the justice he deserves.  

Civil Rights Attorney @MeritLaw has stood alongside the family of Marvin Scott III for more than 3 months. These photos beautifully reflect the love & strength they’ve kindled. Yesterday, they learned that 8 jailers will not face charges related to Scott’s in-custody death. https://t.co/5hE5KWsBNq

— Brandi D. Addison ? (@BrandiDAddison) June 23, 2021

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma triggered by this story, resources are available for you here.