Marcus Fontenette Dies in Bexar County Jail Within 5 Hours
Marcus Fontenette was booked into Bexar County Jail in San Antonio, Texas, on November 12, 2024, at 8:24 PM. Only 46 years old, Mr. Fontenette died before another 5 hours had passed. His cause of death is unknown, though the custodial death report (CDR) filed by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office indicates that a medical condition was not involved, but rather his “cause of death was accidental injury, intoxication, suicide, or homicide.” It was noted in the CDR that he exhibited mental health problems. “Unknown” is the answer to the question of whether he appeared to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
At 12:01 AM on November 13, Mr. Fontenette was pronounced deceased in a holding cell of the San Antonio jail located at 200 N. Comal 78252. The current inmate capacity of Bexar County Jail is approximately 4,563.
Forced Withdrawal from Alcohol and Drugs in Jail Can Be Fatal
It is not unusual for an inmate in a county or municipal jail to die within hours or days after their arrival. Medical emergencies exacerbated by detoxing conditions are among the leading causes of death in these circumstances. Unfortunately, medical examiners determine causes of death, and “withdrawal deaths” aren’t always identified as such. The death of a 31-year-old woman in Bexar County Jail in September 2024 was identified as a drug-related fatality in a news report, though autopsy reports were awaited.
Jails that fail to provide needed treatment in a medical emergency can be held responsible for jail medical neglect. This includes failing to provide proper care when a detainee is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
A 42-Year-Old Woman Dies of Apparent Suicide in a County Jail
In news this month out of California, a 41-year-old woman was booked into a county jail on a Tuesday. She was discovered nonresponsive less than 24 hours later with a ligature around her neck. She was pronounced deceased after about 40 minutes of lifesaving measures.
Oftentimes, jail inspection reports that follow jail deaths here in Texas reveal that the deceased had not been supervised as mandated in minimum jail standards. This is the case in connection with custodial suicides and deaths resulting from various medical emergencies.
It is well-recognized that suicide is the leading cause of death in local jails. Studies have shown that the timing of these deaths have a high level of predictability. For example, studies have shown that the first 24 hours is when up to 24% of all jail suicides occur. This would suggest that there is no excuse for failing to provide appropriate supervision to new inmates.
Get Support for Jail Neglect Cases from the Law Offices of Dean Malone
If you or a family member has suffered due to jail negligence, it’s important to seek experienced legal guidance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to assisting those who have lost loved ones in jails as a result of neglect, including jail medical neglect in Texas. We also support former inmates who have endured serious challenges due to abuse or neglect while incarcerated in a local jail.
Reach out to us for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form to provide the help you need.
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