On January 1, 2022, Reatha Sue Robinson was arrested and booked into Grayson County Jail at 200 S. Crockett St in Sherman TX 75090. Since the time of her arrest, the onsite medical staff monitored Ms. Robinson’s health due to ongoing cirrhosis of the liver. On September 13, 2022, Ms. Robinson’s condition worsened to the point she was transported to a hospital where she was also diagnosed with sepsis and pneumonia. On September 24, 2022, at age 53, Ms. Robinson was pronounced deceased by a member of the hospital staff.

What is Sepsis?

A life-threatening medical emergency, sepsis is an extreme response to an infection in the body. Sepsis occurs when an existing infection triggers a dangerous chain reaction throughout the body. If there is quick recognition of the condition and appropriate treatment, most people survive sepsis.

Without prompt treatment, sepsis can rapidly result in organ failure, shock, tissue damage, and death. Infections that lead to sepsis most often begin in the skin, urinary tract, lung, or gastrointestinal tract.

Are Inmates Especially Vulnerable to Die from Sepsis?

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) reports each year that most complaints registered about county and municipal jails in the state are in regard to a lack of appropriate medical care. This alone is a red flag because if an inmate develops sepsis, his or her life depends on medical personnel recognizing the symptoms quickly and immediately providing the treatment required.

Learn more in this continuing series.

This website exists to provide help to inmates in Texas who have served time in municipal and county jails. Making accusations against institutions or people is never intended on this site.

–Guest Contributor