Myths about Inmate Suicide Continued

An Inmate at Fort Bend County Jail TX Commits Suicide at Age 22

On December 29, 2021, 22-year-old Zachary Daniels was incarcerated in Fort Bend County Jail in Richmond, Texas, after his arrest. At the time of booking, he made suicidal statements and exhibited mental health problems. This placed him under a special protocol for at-risk inmates. Mr. Daniels was housed in a cell block dedicated to those experiencing mental health issues. According to minimum jail standards, inmates who are potentially suicidal must be observed by jail staff face to face in increments not to exceed every 30 minutes.

Mr. Daniels was in a single occupancy cell, and on February 4, 2022, he used a bedsheet to fashion a ligature. He tied the sheet around his neck and secured the other end to the bars of the cell door. A supervising officer discovered the incident. He cut down the inmate and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Mr. Daniels was transported by ambulance to Oak Bend Medical Hospital, where lifesaving efforts continued. He was pronounced deceased at 7:05 PM that day.

Also learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, and Part 13 of this continuing series.

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–Guest Contributor