Jaquaree Simmons Dies in Harris County Jail
The Harris County Sheriff’s Department, in Houston, Texas, filed a custodial death report regarding the death of Jaquaree Simmons. Mr. Simmons was only 23 years old at the time of his death. We provide in this post information obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.
The report indicates that Mr. Simmons was originally incarcerated on February 10, 2021 and passed away on February 17, 2021. Oddly, the report contained the answer “Unknown” to the following questions: appear intoxicated (alcohol or drugs); make suicidal statements; and exhibit any medical problems.
The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:
“On February 10, 2021, the decedent was arrested by the Houston Police Department and booked into the Harris County Jail. On February 17, 2021, detention officers were distributing lunch when the discovered the decedent lying face down in his cell. Detention staff determined the decedent was unresponsive, started CPR, and called medical. Medical staff arrived, continued CPR, and transported the decedent to the clinic. Medical staff continued life-saving procedures and called the Houston Fire Department. Paramedics arrived, assumed care, and transported the decedent to LBJ Hospital. At 1:27 p.m., Dr. Kim pronounced death at the hospital”.
Therefore, the report provides very little information regarding what caused the death of a 23-year-old man. It is clearly unusual for a 23-year-old young man to pass away without some underlying medical condition, absent a traumatic event. Regardless, and without regard to what happened to Mr. Simmons, as a general matter, the United States Constitution provides the right of pre-trial detainees to receive reasonable medical care. If this right is violated, and a person dies as a result, then those causing the death can be liable to certain surviving family members.
Dean Malone
Dean Malone