Thomas Ervin Gregory Dies in Taylor County Jail

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, in Abilene, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Thomas Ervin Gregory. Mr. Gregory was 62 years old at the time of his death. We provide information we obtained from that document, and we make no allegation of wrongdoing against anyone related to Mr. Gregory’s death.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety: “On February 22, 2023, at 2107 detainee Thomas Gregory was placed in a detox cell after being removed from the Emergency Restraint Chair. Earlier on this date there was a use of force where pepper spray was deployed due to him being combative and resistive towards staff. Gregory had not been booked due to his uncooperative behavior. All checks were conducted on him within 30 minutes at the detox cell. At approximately 2200 hours, Officer Wade observed that Gregory was laying on his side and not moving. The Officer entered the cell and observed that Gregory did not appear to be breathing and medical assistance was called. Lifesaving techniques were started by the use of the AED and CPR. Emergency Medical Services was also requested. At approximately 2207 hours, EMS and the Fire Department arrived. They relieved our staff and took over lifesaving techniques. At 2238 they determined that Gregory was deceased, and nothing further could be done. Texas Ranger Josh Burson was notified to conduct the investigation, and Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy. Results are pending.”

Moreover, the report indicates that Mr. Gregory was arrested for criminal trespass.

The Constitution requires that jailers and others not use excessive force, and also provide reasonable medical and mental health care when necessary. If jailers or others who have custody of a person in a Texas jail fail to meet constitutional standards, and a person dies as a result, then certain family members may be able to bring constitutional rights claims. Our law firm is litigating a number of such cases across Texas.

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.