Tarrant County Tries to Avoid Investigating Custodial Deaths – Jail Neglect Lawyer Dean Malone Comments

The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office has asked the Texas Attorney General to clarify whether the Sandra Bland Act’s requirement for independent investigations applies only to deaths that occur inside jail walls. The request comes after years of scrutiny over Tarrant County’s handling of in-custody deaths, many of which are listed as hospital deaths rather than jail deaths. Critics say the move could create a loophole allowing sheriffs to avoid oversight.

Dallas civil rights lawyer Dean Malone, who represents families in jail death lawsuits, called the request “an attempt to shirk responsibility” and warned that it could allow officials to escape accountability by transferring near-death detainees off jail property. Malone emphasized that every death in custody — regardless of where it occurs — deserves a thorough, independent investigation to ensure transparency and prevent further neglect in Texas jails.

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