In a state outside Texas in which custodial deaths at a certain county jail had already been higher than the average jail, a spike in custodial deaths have red flags raised and alarms sounding. Sources say the disturbing increase in jail deaths seems to be timed with new leadership over jail operations. Five inmates died in 2019 and four, so far, in 2020, according to data that Reuters obtained. Family members of those who have died at the jail are speaking up about the deaths of their loved ones.

A 24-year-old man was jailed one day and found dead the next. Jail administrators advised his mother that, prior to his death, he had been found inside the jail and in possession of methamphetamine. A physical altercation was not mentioned. When the mother finally had the opportunity to view her son, she said that evidence was clear of his having been beaten. She said that his head was bruised and swollen. The young man’s custodial death was one of nine since 2019.

Causes of the nine deaths include suicide, medical emergencies, and injuries sustained during assaults.

A spokesperson for The American Civil Liberties Union of that state said it appears the inmates are being denied basic rights. She also suggested that a failure in leadership is having a serious human toll.

See continuing posts in this ongoing series.

This website’s posts are intended as informational resources that could be of help to current and former Texas inmates and their families. It is not intended to imply in any way that misdeeds have occurred on the part of individuals or entities.

–Guest Contributor