Ruthie Jean Fisk Dies in Lubbock County Jail

The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, in Lubbock, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Ruthie Jean Fisk. Ms. Fisk was only 49 years old at the time of her death. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On April 6, 2022, at approximately 1710, officers were doing a jail security check in the Medical Center housing area. When officers arrived to cell MC-18, they noticed Inmate Ruthie Fisk, laying face down on the floor, and would not respond to commands. A radio call for unresponsive inmate was announced. Medical staff, officers and supervisors responded to the area. Medical personnel began evaluation of the inmate and began lifesaving measures. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called and responded. Lifesaving measures continued until EMS pronounced Inmate Fisk deceased at 1756.”

The report further indicates that Ms. Fisk exhibited mental health problems and medical problems during the incident and/or entry into the jail. The report provides no information at all regarding why Ms. Fisk was in a medical housing area, what if any pre-existing medical issues she had, and/or specifics regarding her mental health issues.

Our society unfortunately continues to incarcerate mentally ill people in jails across Texas. This has become a significant problem, as people who have been convicted of nothing, and who suffer serious mental health issues, should not be housed in jails. While we have no information regarding the extent of any mental health issues regarding Ms. Fisk, we have learned, through representing a number of people across Texas in federal civil rights lawsuits, of this significant problem.

Mental health issues aside, the United States Constitution requires jails and medical personnel who have people in custody to provide reasonable medical and mental health care. If they fail to do so, and a person dies as a result, then certain family members may be able to file a federal constitutional rights lawsuit.

Written By: Dean Malone

Dean Malone

Dean Malone is the founder of Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., a jail neglect civil rights law firm. Mr. Malone earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and from Baylor University School of Law with a general civil litigation concentration. Mr. Malone served in several staff positions for the Baylor Law Review, including executive editor. Mr. Malone is an experienced trial lawyer, trying a number of cases to jury verdict and also handling arbitrations through final hearing. He heads the jail neglect section of his law firm, in which lawyers litigate cases involving serious injury and death resulting from jail neglect and abuse. Lawyers frequently refer cases to Mr. Malone due to his focus on this very complicated civil rights practice area.