Dallas County Inmate Laura Westmoreland Dies in a Hospital
Laura Ann Westmoreland was booked into Dallas County Jail on October 25, 2025. Tragically, she died ten days later. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) filed a custodial death report about Ms. Westmoreland on November 10, 2025. The CDR doesn’t reveal any specifics about the potential cause of Ms. Westmoreland’s death, but it is unknown and awaiting the results of an autopsy. The CDR also indicates that it is believed her death was the result of a pre-existing condition.
In the CDR’s summary of how Ms. Westmoreland’s death occurred, the DCSO conveyed the following:
On October 25, 2025, at approximately 8:35 a.m., Laura Ann Westmoreland was booked into the Dallas County Jail by the DeSoto Police Department.
On November 4, 2025, around 6:58 a.m., detention service officers conducting face-to-face safety checks observed Ms. Westmoreland seated on the floor of the housing unit. Her legs were crossed, her upper body was slumped forward, and one arm was extended against a nearby bunk. When officers entered the area and attempted to wake her, she did not respond.
Parkland jail medical staff were immediately requested and arrived moments later. At approximately 7:02 a.m., medical personnel began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A 9-1-1 call was placed, and Dallas Fire and Rescue arrived at Dallas County Jail at about 7:18 a.m., taking over resuscitation efforts.
Despite prolonged lifesaving attempts, Laura Westmoreland was pronounced deceased at 7:57 a.m. on November 4, 2025, by a physician with Parkland Memorial Hospital.
The Dallas County Jail is more commonly known as the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, and it is the main jail facility. The Dallas County jail system has an inmate capacity of approximately 7,204. During her brief incarceration, Ms. Westmoreland was housed in the main jail facility at 111 Commerce St, Dallas, Texas 75207.
An Al Cannon Detention Center Inmate Died of Severe Dehydration
When the results of an autopsy were released earlier this year, it showed that Al Cannon Detention Center in South Carolina had failed to provide appropriate supervision to 62-year-old Lorenzo Trapp in the hours just preceding his death. In addition, his cause of death was severe dehydration, a condition he was at risk for because of his history of schizophrenia.
Approximately 60% of inmates in local jails have a history of some type of mental challenge. Jails may not be equipped to serve as replacements for mental hospitals, but they are no less responsible for the lives of the mentally ill inmates in their charge.
There have been many times in Texas alone where jail inmates suffering from schizophrenia have died from thirst or from the consumption of too much water, which is referred to as water intoxication. Hyponatremia is a common condition that can cause death when an excess amount of water is consumed.
Jails have a responsibility to oversee the lives of the mentally ill individuals in their charge and protect them from preventable deaths such as dehydration, hyponatremia, and suicide.
The Charleston County Jail, known as the Al Cannon Detention Center, is at 3841 Leeds Ave, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405.
Dedicated Legal Support After a Death in Jail
County jails have a duty to keep the people in their care safe. If a family member has died in custody and you believe neglect, mistreatment, or insufficient health care may have played a part, the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., is prepared to help. Our firm has deep experience representing families in wrongful-death cases, including matters involving preventable suicides and failures to provide necessary medical care.
If you need guidance, please see our free Jail Death Guide for Families. Reach out 24/7 by phone, text message, or through our secure online contact form. If you are seeking legal advice, we may be able to assist you. When you contact us, request a free case review.
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