Jail Death Lawyer: Harris County Inmate Kristopher McGregor Dies Suddenly
Kristopher Jarrel McGregor was 39 years old when he went through Harris County Jail intake on January 2, 2025. The Harris County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. McGregor on February 4, 2025. The summary of how the death occurred is merely 39 words long. It reveals that Mr. McGregor was transported to the jail clinic with shallow breathing and subsequently transferred to an outside hospital for a higher level of care on January 29, 2025. He was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor on January 30, 2025. Mr. McGregor’s cause of death is unknown and pending the results of an autopsy.
The address of the Harris County Jail facility where Mr. McGregor was housed is 1200 Baker Street in Houston, Texas 77002. The inmate capacity of the Harris County jail system is 9,575.
When Water or the Lack of It Is Lethal in Texas Jails
Suicide prevention training is required for all jail employees, which is a good thing. Suicide causes more jail deaths than anything else, and the jail employees who interact with inmates daily have the best opportunity to prevent these tragedies. Whatever may be addressed in suicide training, it seems clear that no one is focused on the fact that inmates are too often dying of water-related deaths, whether intentional or not.
Texas Jail Inmates Have Been Dying of Thirst
Water is a basic necessity of life, and autopsies have revealed that inmates in Texas jails have been dying of thirst. In 2024 news, it is alleged that three mentally ill inmates have recently died due to dehydration aka severe hypernatremia in Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth, Texas. A deputy at the jail gave testimony related to the deaths, saying that water is available 24/7 and “so it’s not a concern as long as we provide water to them.”
Other testimony revealed that recognizing signs of dehydration or monitoring the water consumption of mentally handicapped inmates are not areas in which jail staff receive training.
Water Intoxication in Jail Death Cases
Water intoxication is overhydration. Excessive water consumption can lead to death, though it is rare—unless you are talking about the jail system. Several deaths in Texas jails have been caused by water intoxication in recent years. These are preventable deaths, and it is inexcusable that they are occurring. If nothing in the rules of operation for jails specifically covers the protection of inmates from water intoxication, change is needed.
Sadly, individuals who die of water intoxication in jails typically have mental health issues. Jails have a duty to protect inmates from self-harm, including overhydration.
Seeking Justice for Jail Deaths Caused by Neglect
No one loses their fundamental rights simply because they are incarcerated. If you suspect that a loved one died in a Texas jail due to neglect or mistreatment, it’s essential to take swift action. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are here to help. We have ongoing experience with water intoxication deaths in Texas jails. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring accountability in cases involving jail deaths, including custodial suicides and deaths caused by overhydration or dehydration.
You can contact us anytime—day or night—by phone, text, or through our online form. We are available 24/7 and committed to protecting the rights of inmates and their families.
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