Two County Jail Inmates Die of Sepsis

Investigative reporters uncovered a tragic and disturbing story about denial of medical care in a county jail outside Texas. A 37-year-old inmate, a father of five, wrote a note asking for help. He said, “I am very sick.” While in the jail, however, he was never seen by a physician. He later died and was found in his cell in a pool of vomit and blood. According to the autopsy, the man died of sepsis caused by a severe case of pneumonia that nearly doubled the weight of his left lung due to infection.

In another news report about a custodial death resulting from sepsis, horrific details have come to light through jail videos. The 26-year-old inmate was in jail for only 12 days before his death. Videos from the jail show that the man begged repeatedly for medical attention but was denied medical care. Officers laughed at him and ignored his pleas. The nurse at the jail went to the man’s cell and did not believe he was ill. She also ignored the man’s cries for medical help. Ultimately, the county jail inmate died from sepsis and pneumonia.

Sepsis is Common in Correctional Facilities

Sepsis is a serious condition that very quickly can lead to permanent harm or death. An infection that enters into the bloodstream, sepsis must be detected and treated immediately to avoid tragic consequences. This serious condition is common in settings where medical professionals fail to diagnose, treat, or monitor a person’s condition.

See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this ongoing series.

There is never an intention to imply on this website that persons or organizations engaged in wrongdoing. Each blog post is intended as a resource potentially helpful to prisoners held in Texas county jails.

–Guest Contributor