Brandon Alexander Dominguez entered Denton County Jail in Denton, Texas, on July 2, 2021. The 23-year-old died on August 18, 2021, the day after he suffered medical distress and became unresponsive. The Custodial Death Report for Mr. Dominguez shows the following under “Cause of Death:” History of Covid-19, possible Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Multiple instances of custodial deaths caused by diabetic ketoacidosis were recently the subjects of a first-of-its-kind study in another state. The deaths of a dozen men were explored, and they were all allegedly related to diabetic ketoacidosis.

What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Commonly known as DKA, diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes that can occur when a sufficient amount of insulin is not produced by the body. DKA is potentially fatal. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Thirst
• Fatigue or weakness
• Confusion
• Frequent urination

To treat diabetic ketoacidosis, insulin and fluids must be administered.

Details of a DKA-Related Death – 1

The study gives details of one inmate jailed for failure to pay child support. Records allegedly show that the man complained repeatedly that he was denied his twice-daily doses of insulin for the treatment of diabetes. His health grew progressively worse from the sporadic dosages he received. During a 10-day period, the 41-year-old allegedly experienced increased incontinence, lethargy, pain, confusion, and seizures. He was then discovered dead on the floor of his cell with vomit on his face. Diabetic ketoacidosis was the alleged cause of death.

Learn more in this continuing series.

This website offers posts intended as helpful resources for prisoners in county jails in Texas. There is never an intention of suggesting that individuals or institutions have participated in wrongdoing.

–Guest Contributor