Inmate Eliar Otero Dies in Bexar County Jail on 10/10/24
Eliar Otero lived only three days after being booked into Bexar County Jail on October 7, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Otero was filed on October 30, 2024, by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Javier Salazar is the head of jail operations in the San Antonio jail. Her cause of death is listed as unknown and awaiting autopsy results. The summary about how Ms. Otero’s death occurred is merely two lines long, as follows:
Unit Officer was alerted by the cellmate of Inmate Otero and stated she does not think her cellmate is breathing. Officer observed Inmate Otero unresponsive laying on her bunk and initiated a code 1 Blue.
Ms. Otero’s death occurred in a multiple-occupancy cell in the booking center of Bexar County Jail. She was only 48 years old. There are a couple of clues indicating what may have occurred. To the question whether the death was a pre-existing medical condition or developed a condition after admission, the response is:
Not Applicable: Cause of death was accidental injury, intoxication, suicide, or homicide.
As to who caused the death, the CDR indicates:
Unknown person(s) caused the injury.
Bexar County Jail’s address is 200 N. Comal, San Antonio, TX 78207. The jail has a 5,200-bed capacity.
Concern Mounts Over Inmate Deaths in Bexar County Jail
Based on our recent research, Ms. Otero is at least the 14th individual to die in the custody of Bexar County Jail this year. A news report in August indicated that 12 inmates died in Bexar County Jail in 2023. Another pointed out the fact that going to jail should not be a death sentence.
It appears that Ms. Otero’s death may have been caused by another inmate. This is reminiscent of a recent custodial homicide that also occurred inside Bexar County Jail. On August 13, 2024, a 62-year-old inmate died and several of his fellow inmates have been charged with his death.
Do Inmates Have the Right to Protection in Jail?
Jails are legally obligated to protect detainees from physical harm and sexual assault. Inmates also have the right to the following:
- Humane conditions and facilities
- Freedom from racial segregation
- Medical care and attention
- Express complaints about conditions in the jail
- Appropriate mental health care
When a jail fails to provide protection or other basic rights for an inmate, the detainee or their family may have a right to financial compensation. Because of the complexities involved with these types of cases, it is important to pursue experienced legal representation.
The Law Offices of Dean Malone is Here to Help with Jail Deaths Due to Neglect
If you suspect that a loved one’s death in a Texas jail was due to neglect or abuse, seeking experienced legal assistance is essential. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are dedicated to asserting the rights of inmates and their families, especially in cases involving jail-related deaths. Our skilled team has extensive experience navigating these challenging cases. If you’re a former Texas jail inmate who suffered abuse, neglect, or insufficient medical care resulting in severe injuries, we encourage you to reach out for a free case review. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or our online form.
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