Another Bexar County Jail Death – Kevin Arballo

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, in San Antonio, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Kevin Arballo. Mr. Arballo was only 33 years old. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On August 5, 2023, an observation check was conducted in unit 2C by the unit Deputy, Cpl. J. Mendoza #1619. Approximately 11 minutes after the check was completed, the unit officer was informed, by Inmate Julio Lopez #XXXXXXX, an inmate was sleeping in the restroom. The unit officer went to the restroom and observed Inmate Arballo, Kevin #XXXXXXX sitting on top of the toilet. The unit officer attempted to wake Inmate Arballo and when he received no response, Cpl. Mendoza checked the inmate and found no pulse. A Code 1 (Medical Assistance Required) was initiated, at approximately 1558 hours. Deputy M. Rios #4505 arrived in the unit, along with the first aid kit and the AED (not used). A dose of NARCAN was administered to Inmate Arballo, in his right nostril. Medical Personnel began arriving (MA B. Zimmers) and visually evaluated Inmate Arballo. It was determined by MA Zimmers a Code 1 Blue (Immediate Medical Emergency) was required and the Code 1 Blue was initiated at approximately 1600 hrs. Additional medical Personnel arrived (LVN T. Macias) and assisted with the relocation of Inmate Arballo to the floor, where CPR was initiated. While the chest compressions were underway, MA Zimmers used the AED in attempts to resuscitate Inmate Arballo. At approximately 1615 hrs, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) arrived to assist with life saving measures. Inmate Arballo was pronounced deceased by SAFD, through consultation with Dr. Miramontes, at 1633 hours.”

The report further indicates the medical cause of death as, “Probable endocarditis with sepsis and pneumonia.” No further information is given regarding whether Mr. Arballo was receiving medical treatment prior to this death. 

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right of pre-trial detainees to receive medical care. If arresting officers and/or jailers fail to provide reasonable medical care, and a person dies as a result, then family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect and abuse law firm is handling such cases across Texas.

Written By: Dean Malone

Dean Malone

Dean Malone is the founder of Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., a jail neglect civil rights law firm. Mr. Malone earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and from Baylor University School of Law with a general civil litigation concentration. Mr. Malone served in several staff positions for the Baylor Law Review, including executive editor. Mr. Malone is an experienced trial lawyer, trying a number of cases to jury verdict and also handling arbitrations through final hearing. He heads the jail neglect section of his law firm, in which lawyers litigate cases involving serious injury and death resulting from jail neglect and abuse. Lawyers frequently refer cases to Mr. Malone due to his focus on this very complicated civil rights practice area.