Tarrant County Inmate Richard Gutkowski Dies in a Local Hospital
Richard Gutkowski, Jr. went through intake at Tarrant County Jail on July 29, 2025. Eight days later, he suffered a medical emergency in multiple-occupancy cell 59-B-14-01, where he was housed. Mr. Gutkowski was transferred to John Peter Smith Hospital, where, at approximately 10:47 a.m. on August 6, 2025, he was pronounced deceased. Richard Gutkowski turned 61 years old in the few days of his incarceration.
The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Gutkowski was filed by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office on August 11, 2025. The CDR doesn’t reveal much else about his possible cause of death, other than that he is believed to have died of a pre-existing medical condition.
It was noted during the booking process that he exhibited medical problems. The CDR also shows that he did not appear intoxicated during intake. As far as whether he exhibited mental problems or made suicidal statements, the answer is “unknown.” Mr. Gutkowski’s cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.
Tarrant County Jail, also known as Tarrant County Corrections Center, is at 100 N. Lamar St, Fort Worth, Texas 76196.
The 2025 Death of Kimberly Phillips in the Tarrant County Jail was Caused by Thirst
On January 25, 2025, Kimberly A Phillips was booked into Tarrant County Jail. Tragically, she was pronounced deceased about three weeks later, on February 18, 2025. The CDR about Ms. Phillips was similar to the one prepared about Richard Gutkowski. Even less seems to have been known about her. Ms. Phillips’ cause of death was unknown and awaiting autopsy results, as well.
There were shockwaves in Ms. Phillips’ family when her cause of death was revealed. The autopsy results showed that Kimberly Phillips’ death was caused by complications of dehydration and malnutrition.
An investigation into the tragic death showed that it was noted by medical staff that Ms. Phillips had stopped eating during a previous period of incarceration in Tarrant County Jail. In a press release about Ms. Phillips’ death, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office noted that she was housed in the medical unit and was under observation, where there was around-the-clock access to medical care.
Deaths caused by dehydration are nothing new among inmates incarcerated in Tarrant County Jail. In May 2024, a news release revealed that in less than two years, three detainees had died of thirst in the Fort Worth jail. Georgia Baldwin was one of those inmates. Like the other two referred to in the article, she suffered from mental problems.
Compassionate Legal Support for Jail Custody Deaths
City and county jails are required to safeguard the well-being of every individual in their care. If you suspect your loved one’s death while incarcerated resulted from neglect, abuse, or a preventable suicide, the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., is ready to stand by you. Our firm has extensive experience with challenging in-custody death cases and is committed to helping families seek truth and accountability.
You can reach us day and night. Call, text, or use our secure online form to share your concerns and learn how we can help.
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