Two Prisoners at the Montgomery County Jail in Conroe, Texas, Died; Both had the Flu
Two prisoners at the Montgomery County Jail in Conroe, Texas, died in the last month, and influenza may have been a contributing cause in both custodial deaths. The two prisoners were 41-year-old Mosheer Rashid and 35-year-old Carl Bible. They both actually died at the Conroe Regional Medical Center, but they were still in custody when admitted. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), flu could have played a role in both fatalities, though both of the prisoners had many other medical issues.
Rashid was first treated for illness on December 8, 2017. He was given medications, and his condition improved for two days before he began feeling worse again. On December 11, he reportedly went to the infirmary multiple times. That night he was admitted to Conroe Regional Medical Center by prison doctors. At the hospital, Rashid was diagnosed with influenza A. His condition became severe on December 17, and authorities issued a personal recognizance bond. He remained in the hospital, though he was released from being in the custody of the sheriff’s office that day. On December 19, Rashid was pronounced dead.
Bible reported to medical staff on December 23, saying he was having difficulty breathing. On December 24 and 25, he received on-site medical treatment several times. He was then transported to the local hospital for treatment and evaluation for pneumonia and influenza. On January 4, he was moved into the Intensive Care Unit. Bible died in ICU on January 5, according to the sheriff’s office.
The MCSO released a statement saying that the jail takes additional precautions to insure sanitation of all prisoner areas during cold and flu season. In addition, they enhance medical screening and protection for everyone in the jail environment.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the deaths of Rashid and Bible. In addition, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards will conduct an investigation, to determine whether minimum jail standards were met during the period that the men became ill.
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