Cynthia Garcia had been a patient at a hospital for a drug overdose when she was arrested and placed in Kleberg County Jail in Kingsville, Texas. Because she was known to have previously attempted suicide, she was placed in a padded cell. No times were entered in the summary of how the death of Ms. Garcia occurred, but it shows that she was found unresponsive after loud snoring stopped. Attempts were made to save her life, and she was taken to two different hospitals. Tragically, Ms. Garcia died at age 32 on April 1, 2022, seemingly the day after her arrest. Dates and times on the custodial death report (CDR) are either incomplete or unclear.

Kleberg County Jail is Cited by TCJS for Noncompliance-Continued

Non-compliance: RULE §273.5–Objective Classification Plan

Rule §273.5(a)(2) is a rule in the minimum jail standards for the operation of Texas county jails, and it is related to the identification of inmates. During intake screening, inmates known or observed to be mentally ill and/or potentially suicidal are supposed to be identified. The procedures followed must comply with those specified in the Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22 and in accordance with referrals to mental health officials.

• An inspector with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) reviewed the Screening Form for Suicide and Medical/Mental/Developmental Impairment and subsequently reported that intake officers at the Kleberg County Jail were not consistent about the proper identification of mentally disabled and suicidal inmates in compliance with the Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22. The inspector also found that magistrates are not being notified, as required, within a 12-hour period.

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

There is no intention of implicating that any person or entity has been a participant in acts of wrongdoing. The posts on this website seek to provide assistance to inmates now or formerly placed in a jail in a Texas county.

–Guest Contributor