The Cameron County Sheriff’s Department at 7300 Old Alice Road in Olmito, Texas, promptly filed the custodial death report (CDR) on Johnny Gutierrez on January 31, 2023. Mr. Gutierrez made suicidal statements during intake, per the CDR. Tragically, he took his own life by hanging himself with his mattress cover. Mr. Gutierrez was pronounced deceased on January 27, 2023. He was only 39 years old.

Texas Prisons and Jails See an Increase in Suicide

Watchdog groups have cited inadequate staffing and insufficient provisions for mental health care as reasons for increasing numbers of suicides and attempts at suicide in Texas jails and prisons. Since supervision is recognized as an effective suicide prevention measure, the prevalence of understaffing in jails is a major concern.

Many suicides occur in single-occupancy cells and in solitary confinement, where suicidal behaviors are exacerbated.

Another Texas County Jail Prisoner Commits Suicide

On January 20, 2023, a 29-year-old inmate in a Texas county jail died as a result of suicide. According to jail records and discussions with jail staff, the decedent did not make suicidal statements or appear to have mental health issues before he took his own life. The inmate removed his jail uniform and secured it to the metal ceiling. He then used the clothing to hang himself by the neck.

Learn more in Part 1 of this ongoing series.

Providing helpful resources for Texas inmates detained in county and municipal jails is the purpose of this website. Making accusations against persons or institutions is never intended.

–Guest Contributor