The following is a continuation of the summary in the custodial death report (CDR) about events surrounding the death of Mario Rios.  He had been booked into Dallas County Jail on June 29, 2023, and experienced a medical emergency on July 22, 2023. Parkland Jail Health Medical staff members responded to Mr. Rios’ bedside at 9:58 PM and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Personnel with the Dallas Fire Rescue arrived at approximately 10:17 PM. They continued chest compressions and subsequently transported Mr. Rios by ambulance to Parkland Memorial Hospital.

Are Detainees in Texas County Jails Provided with Medical Care? Continued

Rule §273.3 of the Texas Administrative Code, requires that all medical instructions of designated physicians shall be followed. This rule is often cited when county and municipal jails in Texas are found noncompliant with regard to healthcare.

After detainee Christopher Wayne Cabler died by suicide at Red River County Jail on May 5, 2019, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJC) conducted a special jail inspection at the Clarksville, Texas, jail. As a result of the inspection, Red River County Jail was cited for alleged noncompliance with three minimum jail standards under health services.

One of the rules violated was Rule §273.3. TCJS Inspector Wendy Wisneski made notes on the special inspection report with regard to that rule. Learn more in the next installment of this series. Also see Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this continuing series.

Assisting Texas jail detainees and their families with helpful resources is one of the purposes of this website. Accusing persons or institutions of involvement in wrongdoing is never intended on this site.

–Guest Contributor