Christopher Luis Delarosa Dies After Being in Travis County, Texas Jail

The Travis County Sheriff’s Department, in Austin, Texas, filed a report with the State of Texas regarding the death of Christopher Luis Delarosa. Mr. Delarosa was only 32 years old at the time of his death. The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On July 27, 2021 at approximately 7:22 A.M. I was notified by my supervisor, Sgt. Gerald Kim, on an inmate death in custody that just occurred at the Travis County Jail located at 500 west 10th Street, Austin, TX 78701. The inmate was identified as Christopher L. Delarosa, W/M DOB XX-XX-XXXX, Booking #XXXXXXX. Delarosa was arrested on July 26, 2021 for Assault with Injury F/V and taken to Central Booking between 0900 and 1000. During the intake process Delarosa was refused acceptance into the facility by TCSO Medical personnel because his oxygen level was low. Delarosa was taken to Seton Medical Center, and upon his release from the hospital he was accepted and booked into the Central Booking facility at approximately 1539 hours. Delarosa was moved the medical observation hall and placed into cell MOO #7 at approximately 2030 hours on July 26, 2021. Post visuals are conducted in this cell at 15-minute increments. Delarosa was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 0545 hours on July 27, 2021 by Corrections Officer Michael Jimenez #4750. TCSO Staff initiated life saving measures until relieved by Fire/EMS at approximately 0555 hours. At approximately 0654 hours EMS Commander Martin called time of death.”

The report does not provide any information about whether Mr. Delarosa received any breathing treatments after returning to the jail, was assessed for oxygen levels in the jail, or otherwise received any medical treatment while being on observation. Obviously, while observation is important, treatment may be necessary and, in Mr. Delarosa’s case, appears to have been absolutely necessary. Regardless, we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone regarding Mr. Delarosa’s death, because we do not have enough information to make such a determination.

Generally, the 14^th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right of those held in jail before their trials to receive medical care. If a person dies because he or she does not receive medical care in a jail, then certain family members may have claims. These claims are typically handled by Texas civil rights lawyers.

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