A Lamb County jury found John Earl Alexander, 37, guilty last week of Assault Causing Bodily Injury on an Employee/Contractor of a Civil Commitment Facility after a three-day trial in the 154th District Court. Jurors later assessed the maximum punishment of 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice– Institutional Division.
Jury selection began Monday, November 17, and the panel was seated that afternoon. Trial began Tuesday morning with the reading of the indictment, at which time Alexander entered a plea of not guilty.
In opening statements, Special Prosecution Unit ( SPU) prosecutor Eric Quisenberry told jurors the case centered on Alexander refusing to leave a restricted hallway during a comprehensive contraband search. “He was not where he was supposed to be, and when given a choice, he would not leave—without blood,” Quisenberry said. Defense counsel Paula Millan countered that staff actions escalated the encounter, telling jurors, “This is a case about self- defense.”
The State presented four witnesses. Facility Administrator David Bowers described Alexander—standing 6’ 6” and weighing roughly 350 pounds—ignoring repeated orders to return to his housing area on October 9, 2024. Bowers testified that after lengthy efforts to calm him failed, he deployed pepper spray as a safety measure. When staff moved in to place restraints on Alexander, Alexander bit Bowers on the finger, breaking the skin. Jurors viewed two surveillance videos depicting the incident.
Assistant Facility Administrator David Robles testified he encountered Alexander waiting in the hallway to confront TCCO Executive Director Marsha McLane, and described the danger posed when even one resident becomes volatile. McLane herself testified about the purpose of the search, Alexander’s escalating threats, and affirmed that Bowers acted appropriately under the circumstances. Investigator James “Kelly” Brunson of the Office of Inspector General testified that he first moved McLane out of harm’s way before assisting in restraining Alexander, describing Alexander’s behavior as consistent with what staff often see before major disruptions in a facility setting. He, too, agreed Bowers’ intervention was necessary.
The defense called two MTC staff members whose testimony focused on their written incident reports and how those reports differed from other witness accounts and video evidence. The defense then rested.
In closing arguments Wednesday morning, Quisenberry told jurors the State had met its burden and Bowers’ use of force was lawful. Defense counsel Matt Morrow argued Bowers’ use of OC spray was improper and Alexander acted to protect himself. County & District Attorney Rickie Redman delivered the State’s final remarks, reminding jurors self-defense does not apply when a person provokes the confrontation. She urged them to hold Alexander responsible for his actions.
Jurors retired to deliberate at 11:42 a.m. and returned at 12:19 p.m. with a guilty verdict.
During punishment, SPU Investigator Timothy English testified Alexander had two prior convictions for Indecency with a Child, which the jury found true, enhancing the sentencing range. The State also recalled Bowers and McLane to explain the broader impact of Alexander’s conduct on facility safety. The defense called Alexander, who testified about his time in civil commitment; during cross-examination, he admitted previously using threatening behavior toward staff to get his way.
Jurors deliberated for approximately thirty minutes and returned the maximum sentence of twenty years.
Following sentencing, Redman issued a statement thanking the SPU for its assistance, saying their support made “a meaningful difference” in the case. She added, “This Lamb County jury delivered a strong message… The men and women who walk through the doors of the TCCC each day are doing a critical job. They deserve to go home safely.”
Alexander will return to civil commitment after serving his sentence at TDCJ.