Tragically, on the 13th day of his incarceration in El Paso County Jail, Robert John Barela committed suicide using a bedsheet to hang himself in his cell. He died at the age of 37 on February 23, 2022, after having been transported to one of the local hospitals there in El Paso, Texas.

More Risk Factors for Inmate Suicide

Research has revealed a great volume of information about risk factors for suicide among inmates, including the following:

• Alcoholics are in an especially high-risk group for committing suicide. Research shows that 15% of them die by suicide.
• Another very high risk factor is when an individual has depression and schizophrenia.
• Recent loss of a family member or a recent divorce greatly increases the likelihood of a person attempting suicide.
• If a person has chronic health problems, especially if the problem results in pain or great physical discomfort, they are a greater risk for suicide.
• The first week of incarceration, inmates are at their most vulnerable for committing suicide.
• Inmates in a single cell are at a heightened risk for suicide.
• If an inmate starts saying goodbyes and preparing a will, it is a sign that they intend to commit suicide.
• Rehearsal for suicide is frequently observed, and it is a sign of an inmate’s intention to kill themself.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this ongoing series.

Accusing individuals or organizations of misdeeds is never intended on this website. Posts are meant as helpful resources to benefit county jail inmates in Texas.

–Guest Contributor