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Category: Custodial Death

Galveston County Jail is Cited After an Inmate’s Suicide

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3d interior Jail

Galveston County Jail in Galveston, Texas, was recently added to the list of non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A notice of non-compliance was sent to the county jail after a special jail inspection on December 9, 2024. TCJS inspectors found that one minimum jail standard was violated in connection with a custodial death at Galveston County Jail.

The island jail was found to have allegedly violated Rule §273.3-Health Instructions:

  • After a custodial death, documentation was reviewed. It was discovered that the inmate did not receive medication as prescribed.

Galveston County Jail’s address is 5700 Ball St, Galveston, TX 77551. The jail has a 1,187-bed capacity.

A Custodial Suicide May Have Instigated the Recent Galveston Jail Inspection

The above-mentioned special jail inspection at Galveston County Jail does not specify the date of the custodial death that instigated the inspection. On the website where custodial death reports (CDRs) are posted, there are, at this time, three recent deaths reported in Galveston–two in September 2024 and the other in October 2024.

However, because custodial deaths are frequently filed up to a year or more later than the 30-day deadline, it is sometimes impossible to say with certainty that a particular jail inspection is a follow-up and linked to a particular death if strictly looking at public records.

A tragic custodial suicide occurred in Galveston County Jail on October 14, 2024. The suicide victim was a 54-year-old man who had entered the jail on October 1, two weeks earlier. The CDR about the deceased detainee was filed by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department on November 12, 2024. It indicates that he did not make suicidal statements during the booking process. He was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell. The following are among the details in the summary about how the death occurred:

  • At about 6:06 AM on the day of his death, the detainee was discovered unresponsive with a ligature tied around his neck. The other end of the ligature was secured to a privacy partition near the toilet inside the cell. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased at 6:47 AM.

Jailers go through suicide prevention training, and they have a responsibility to provide required supervision and to be alert to signs that an individual may be suicidal. Another issue, if this is the death tied to the recent jail inspection, is whether the medication that the inmate allegedly did not receive as prescribed might have helped prevent the tragedy.

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a county or municipal jail does not mean forfeiting your basic rights. When inmates experience mistreatment, such as being denied necessary medical care, it’s essential to hold those responsible accountable.

Have you lost a family member in a Texas jail and suspect that abuse or neglect may have been a contributory factor in their death? Or were you previously incarcerated and, due to jail negligence, suffered life-altering injuries? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on handling cases of custodial deaths, including jail suicide deaths, leveraging years of experience to provide dedicated and compassionate legal support.

We’re here to help 24/7. Contact us by phone, text, or our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

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smchugh

TCJS Cites Wilson County Jail for Another Standards Violation

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Wilson County Jail is now included with other non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. TCJS sent the Floresville, Texas, jail a notice of non-compliance on November 20, 2024, the same day that the jail’s inspection report was issued. Wilson County Jail is cited for three alleged violations of minimum jail standards, and two of them are shown in a report from the previous month. The inspector’s notes are the same on the October 2024 and November 2024 reports. Corrective action is required upon receipt of non-compliance notices.

The inspectors’ notes on the added violation follow, and they provide clarification:

  • After the comprehensive inspection of Wilson County Jail, it was later discovered that the jail had failed to complete a Quarterly Fire Hazard Inspection Checklist for the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2024.

The address of the Wilson County Jail is 800 10th Street, Floresville, Texas 78114. The inmate capacity is 160.

An Inmate of Wilson County Jail Died of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

A 43-year-old man was an inmate at Wilson County Jail for 21 hours when he died on November 7, 2022. He had been placed in a detox cell because he appeared to be intoxicated during intake, and the CDR also says a medical watch form was initiated. The summary of how the death occurred shows that he was seen to be blue in the face on the house camera system in his 20th hour at the jail and was pronounced deceased less than an hour later, when resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful.

The CDR related to the man’s death was due in December of 2022, but it was not filed with the Attorney General of Texas until June of 2024, more than 18 months late. The results of the autopsy had been completed. The Medical Examiner said the death was natural, and that the medical cause of death was “alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to chronic ethanolism.”

What is Ethanolism and What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Ethanolism is an alcohol use disorder sometimes characterized as “alcoholism.” Individuals with this disorder have difficulty controlling their alcohol consumption. Ethanolism involves having to drink more to feel the effects of alcohol and having alcohol withdrawal symptoms when consumption is stopped or rapidly decreased.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include agitation, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and, occasionally, seizures.

Jails have a responsibility to monitor the condition of any inmate at risk for withdrawal symptoms. Inmates in medical distress have a right to receive medical treatment.

Seeking Help for Jail Negligence Cases?

Studies reveal that almost 70% of inmates in local U.S. jails with chronic health conditions do not receive adequate medical care—a troubling reality. If you have experienced severe injuries due to jail medical neglect or abuse, or if you have lost a loved one because of neglect while they were incarcerated, we urge you to reach out. The Law Offices of Dean Malone has years of experience with custodial death cases, including suicides.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7—by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Harris County Jail Fails a Third 2024 Inspection

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For the third time this year, Harris County Jail is listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. The latest special jail inspection of the Houston, Texas, jail was conducted on December 16, 2024. With regard to a violation of the rule covering searches for contraband, which is in the chapter on the supervision of inmates, TCJS inspectors conveyed the following:

  • Harris County officials self-reported that contraband had entered their facility. Upon review of a video provided, it was discovered that an inmate’s personal wheelchair had not been searched for contraband upon entry into the secure perimeter.

Contraband Potentially Caused Two Drug Overdose Deaths in Harris County Jail in December 2024

Before Harris County Jail underwent a December 16, 2024, special jail inspection, two inmates potentially died from an illicit drug overdose. On December 9, 2024, a 31-year-old fell onto the floor of his single cell and lay there motionless. He died that morning after being transported by ambulance to Ben Taub Hospital. Another inmate at Harris County Jail, a 62-year-old, died five days earlier on December 4, 2024, after being found in the same circumstances. In this first instance, however, the inmate was declared deceased inside the jail. Results of an autopsy are pending in both custodial deaths.

Contraband in Jails is a Widespread Problem

A publication by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice states that over the last five years, there has been a substantial increase in the volume of illegal narcotics entering the criminal justice system. Among the suggested strategies for reducing contraband is to enhance drug testing, including fentanyl, through the use of mobile drug testing applications.

There are many recent stories about an ongoing problem of contraband in county and municipal jails. The following are a few details about some of those stories, all of which made the news in November 2024:

  • The Midland County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people for introducing contraband to Midland County Jail. Two of those arrested are charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the Midland, Texas, jail.
  • A jailer in Clay County, Mississippi, has been accused of accepting money to provide cell phones, drugs, and other contraband to inmates.
  • A defense attorney in Houston, Texas, has been charged on several counts, including providing a prohibited substance in a corrections facility. This arrest came after an investigation into multiple inmate deaths caused by fentanyl drug poisoning.

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a local jail does not mean your basic rights have been surrendered. If detainees are mistreated, such as being denied necessary medical care, it is essential to hold those responsible accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect that neglect contributed to their death? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered severe injuries because of negligence? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on custodial death cases and bring years of experience to provide effective legal representation.

We’re here to help 24/7. Reach out by phone, text, or through our online form to schedule a free consultation today.

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smchugh

Bowie County Jail Inmate Dejuan Fulcher Possibly Died of Sepsis

Front of Jail Cell

Dejuan Deandre Fulcher was booked into Bowie County Jail on April 30, 2024. He was pronounced deceased in the jail’s custody on December 18, 2024. The Bowie County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) the next day. The CDR shows that he exhibited mental health problems during booking. He was also missing his lower right leg at the knee due to a previous medical issue.

Per the CDR, Mr. Fulcher was eventually placed in a single-occupancy cell because he displayed signs of mental illness such as soiling his bedding and clothing with bodily waste. On September 17, Mr. Fulcher underwent a mental evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial. He was waiting for placement in a mental facility for the remainder of his stay at the jail.

On December 18, Mr. Fulcher was discovered unresponsive in his cell, and he was still breathing. Medical personnel provided medical attention, and he was transported to Christus St. Michael Hospital for further treatment. The hospital staff was treating him for sepsis and septic shock, and his condition rapidly declined. He was pronounced deceased at 11:48 PM the same day. His cause of death is listed as unknown and awaiting autopsy results.

Bowie County Jail is also known as Bowie County Correctional Center. The jail’s address is 105 West Front Street, Texarkana, Texas 75501. The bed capacity of the Bowie County Correctional Center is 921.

A Study Shows that Inmates with Sepsis Have a Higher Risk of Death

The Journal of Correctional Health conducted a study of 8,568 cases of sepsis. All but 120 were non-inmates. The mortality rate for non-inmates was 15.3%, and for inmates, it was 42.5%. The risk of death among inmates with sepsis was 2.8 times higher than the others. The article suggests several measures jails should take to protect inmates from adverse health outcomes, including the following:

  • Before being admitted into a jail, inmates should have a health screening.
  • Jail staff should go through training to recognize if inmates exhibit signs of medical distress.
  • Jails should stay well-stocked with Narcan so that overdose deaths can be prevented.

Oftentimes, deaths from sepsis are highly preventable. If inmates do not receive medical care for a serious health condition, it can be considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment. Jails have a duty to provide detainees with the medical care they need. If they show indifference toward an inmate in serious need of medical attention and the inmate dies or suffers life-altering results, they can be held accountable. It’s such a tragedy that inmates too often die from sepsis, considering that in most cases, simply receiving antibiotics in a timely manner would have saved their lives.

Have You Experienced Jail Neglect?

Jail staff are responsible for the care and safety of everyone in their custody. If you were detained in a Texas jail and endured severe, life-altering injuries due to neglect, such as a denial of medical care, the Law Offices of Dean Malone may be able to help. We have extensive experience asserting the rights of inmates and their families.

If you lost a loved one while they were incarcerated in a Texas jail and believe neglect, including medical neglect, contributed to their passing, we’re here to assist. Our dedicated team focuses on custodial death cases.

We are available 24/7. Contact us anytime by phone, text, or through our online form for a free consultation.

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smchugh

Webb County Jail Inmate Noe Cantu-Covarrubias Dies on 12/13/24

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Noe Cantu-Covarrubias was 58 years old when he was booked into Webb County Jail on November 4, 2024. The Webb County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Cantu-Covarrubias on December 13, 2024, the day he was pronounced deceased. The CDR shows that he died of natural causes and that an autopsy was not planned. Mr. Cantu-Covarrubias had been transported to Laredo Medical Center after he was found unresponsive in the jail’s medical department at 5:19 AM. Dr. Chen at Laredo Medical Center said that the inmate had died of a possible aneurysm at 7:42 AM on the same day the medical emergency occurred.

While in the jail, he received treatment for the condition that caused his death, a pre-existing condition. The CDR also shows that Mr. Cantu-Covarrubias made suicidal statements and exhibited mental and medical health problems during intake.

The address of Webb County Jail is 1001 Washington Street in Laredo, Texas 78042. The inmate capacity of the jail is 570.

Jails Can Be Held Accountable for Preventable Deaths

Sheriffs and other jail administrators have a responsibility to protect jail detainees in Texas counties and municipalities from preventable deaths. It is only natural that a percentage of inmates will die from medical conditions while they are incarcerated. But suppose the jail staff showed indifference to the sufferings of an inmate or failed to operate according to suicide prevention guidelines. In that case, it is possible that jail neglect was a contributing factor to a custodial death. In such cases, the family of the deceased can seek justice for the death of their loved one.

Two Recent Deaths in Webb County Jail May Have Been the Result of Neglect

All jail deaths are subjected to investigation. If the cause of an inmate’s death was sepsis or suicide, possible jail neglect should automatically be considered. At Webb County Jail, a 34-year-old male died from sepsis in 2021 due to infected drug injection sites. The tragedy is that most deaths caused by sepsis can be prevented by simply administering antibiotics in a timely manner. Details of another recent and possibly preventable death at Webb County Jail follow.

A Suicidal Detainee Dies After His Second Attempt at Suicide in 2 Days

A 67-year-old inmate was arrested in April 2022. At the time of booking into Webb County Jail, he made suicidal statements and exhibited mental health problems. Both are red flags indicating that the inmate is at a high risk for suicide. Detainees who are possibly suicidal should be placed under heightened supervision in which they are observed every 15 minutes or every 30 minutes at most. On the man’s fifth day in jail, he jumped off a fixed barrier onto his head. After being evaluated at a local hospital, he was returned to his single-occupancy cell.

On his sixth day in jail, the CDR indicates that he was found unresponsive in Cell 111. He died from asphyxia due to deliberately impacting an occlusive food in the bolus in his posterior oropharynx and upper airway and choking—in this way, he committed suicide and died on the eighth day of his incarceration.

Seeking Justice for Jail Deaths Linked to Neglect

Incarceration does not strip individuals of their basic rights. If you believe a loved one passed away in a Texas jail due to neglect or mistreatment, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone for help. Our firm is dedicated to pursuing justice for those affected by jail deaths, with a team experienced in handling these sensitive cases.

We also assist former detainees who have endured significant injuries caused by neglect during their time in custody. Contact us anytime via phone, text, or our online form. We’re available 24/7 and committed to asserting the rights of inmates and their families.

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smchugh

McLennan County Jail Detainee Beauford Puryear Dies on 12/10/24

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Beauford Puryear was booked into McLennan County Jail on November 12, 2024, two days before his 61st birthday. Tragically, he died less than a month later on December 10, 2024. The cause of Mr. Puryear’s death is unknown, per the custodial death report (CDR) that McClennan County Sheriff’s Office promptly filed on the same day the death occurred.

Mr. Puryear’s medical cause of death is unknown, but the CDR states that the deceased had a history of cardiac/hypertension issues. Also, the report reflects that the decedent died of a pre-existing medical condition.

Very little is said in the summary of how Mr. Puryear’s death occurred. In essence, he had a medical emergency during the passage of breakfast trays at 6:12 AM. Lifesaving measures began, and he was pronounced deceased the next hour at 7:44 AM on December 10, 2024.

The address of McLennan County Jail is 3201 E Highway 6 in Waco, Texas 76705. The jail’s inmate capacity is 1,678.

Jails Can Be Held Accountable for Preventable Suicides

A recent report reveals that there has been a dramatic increase in Texas prison suicides. The number of inmates who died by suicide has nearly doubled in the past four years. From 2005-2019, there was an average of 28.6 suicides. That number rose to 56 on average per year between 2020 and 2023. After the suicide of a 21-year-old woman, it was discovered that face-to-face observation rounds had not taken place as they were supposed to, which was every 30 minutes. Supervision is recognized as the greatest deterrent to suicide.

In Texas jails, the ratio of suicides is even higher than in prisons. Suicide is the leading cause of death in county and municipal jails across the nation. Oftentimes, similar situations occur regarding lack of supervision. The following is one tragic example:

  • A 42-year-old white male was booked into a Texas county jail on May 14, 2020. When he was booked into the jail, a member of the booking staff noted that he made suicidal statements. The following day, jail staff noted that the man was agitated after making a phone call to his wife. He was placed in a “max cell” under 30-minute watch. Later that day, a jailer discovered that the man had used jail clothing to hang himself. Lifesaving measures failed, and he was pronounced deceased on May 16, 2020.
  • A follow-up special jail inspection was conducted on May 21, 2020. Scrutiny of face-to-face observation checks revealed that they were not conducted as required in the holding and detox cells, where the deceased was housed. In addition, the jail staff had not been provided with suicide prevention training since March 2018.

The Texas jail staff knew that the man had made suicidal statements. There was also an awareness that he became agitated after a call with a family member. These red flags together with the fact that white males are most at risk for suicide suggest that, at the very least, supervision should have been provided at the minimum required.

Legal Help for Jail Neglect Cases: The Law Offices of Dean Malone

If you or a loved one has been impacted by neglect in a Texas jail, obtaining experienced legal representation is essential. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are dedicated to assisting families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails, potentially due to neglect or abuse, including cases involving suicides. We also encourage former inmates who have suffered serious injuries due to jail neglect or mistreatment to contact us for help.

Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Matthew Plank Dies in Lubbock County Jail on 11/27/24

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Matthew Plank was booked into Lubbock County Jail on November 29, 2022. Tragically, he died at age 46 almost exactly two years later on November 27, 2024. The custodial death report (CDR) filed by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department on December 5, 2024, indicates that he died of unknown causes at the jail on 3502 N Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX 79403. The jail’s inmate capacity is 1,465.

During the intake process, the CDR shows that Mr. Plank made suicidal statements, exhibited mental and medical health problems, and appeared to be intoxicated on alcohol or drugs. The only potential indication of why Mr. Plank died is in the answer to the question of whether an accident, homicide, or suicide was the means of death. The answer is “not applicable, cause of death was illness/natural cause,” though it also shows that he did not receive medical treatment for the condition that caused his death. His specific type of custody is shown as “jail – day room/recreation area.”

The summary of Mr. Plank’s death begins with the officer assigned to the area finding him unresponsive in a shower on the mezzanine in pod 3E on November 27, 2024. Lifesaving measures by jail medical staff, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, and University Medical Center staff were unsuccessful. Mr. Plank was pronounced deceased at 4:53 PM that day.

Reports of Questionable Deaths are Filed Late by Lubbock County Jail

Under Ken Paxton, attorney General of Texas, an online, ongoing record of custodial death reports is available. It shows that at least twice since November 2023, two custodial deaths at Lubbock County Jail were filed approximately a year or more later than the mandatory 30-day deadline. In each instance, the cause of death justifiably raises questions. Details about both follow.

  • A 37-year-old woman died in Lubbock County Jail on June 8, 2022, but the CDR about her was not filed until November 1, 2023. She had been booked into the jail on October 31, 2019, and was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell. The CDR indicates that the woman died of the toxic effects of fentanyl. This obviously suggests that illicit drugs had been smuggled into the jail, resulting in this tragic death.
  • A 46-year-old man died on October 27, 2023, in Lubbock County Jail. He had been booked into the jail just 17 days earlier. His CDR wasn’t filed until September 24, 2024. The CDR shows the medical cause of death was “acute hypoxemic respiratory failure / sepsis.” Anytime sepsis is a contributing cause of a death, particularly in a jail, it suggests possible medical neglect. That’s because sepsis can be prevented with simple antibiotics.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jail staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in their custody. If you were held in a Texas jail and suffered serious, life-changing injuries due to neglect, including inadequate medical care, reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone. With years of experience asserting the rights of inmates, we are here to help.

If you have lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe neglect, such as medical neglect, played a role in their death, we may be able to assist. Our dedicated team focuses on handling cases involving jail deaths.

Contact us anytime—we are available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Texas Jails Receive New Rules for Prioritizing Inmate Complaints

Front of Jail Cell

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent a technical assistance memorandum regarding the prioritization of complaints to all Texas sheriffs and jail administrators on December 3, 2024. Unfortunately, tragedies often occur in U.S. jails when there is a lack of urgency in addressing serious complaints. This statement is backed by many custodial deaths linked to, for instance, laxity in providing appropriate inmate supervision. The non-compliance of Texas jails in providing appropriate supervision is often revealed as a result of special jail inspections scheduled in direct response to a custodial death.

The memo from TCJS Executive Director Brandon Wood provides details regarding complaints and how to prioritize them based on their level of severity. The highest level of priority is given to Level I complaints, though responses for Level I and Level II complaints are due within 5 business days. Jails have 10 business days to make a response to Level III complaints. More details of each type of complaint follow:

  • Personal injury, health hazards, and life safety are the types of grievances included in Level I complaints. Complaint investigators are instructed to notify the appropriate county as soon as possible regarding level I complaints. The county must acknowledge receipt of the complaint. The emergent part of the complaint is first addressed. Then a thorough and comprehensive investigation must be completed along with a response from the county within 5 business days.
  • Level II complaints will be considered “urgent.” Level II complaints include those related to overcrowding, classification, or supervision.
  • Level III complaints include any and all complaints not listed in levels I and II.

How Can Classification Errors Cause Potential Harm?

The most serious events that occur in Texas jails are custodial deaths. However, jail suicides deserve the most consideration since they are the leading cause of death not only in Texas jails but in city and county jails across the entire U.S. “Urgent” level II complaints cover two areas that are closely associated with custodial suicides, those being classification and supervision. Classification is seriously connected to possible danger to the general public, as well, considering the early release of detainees. Supervision is, as well, though that area is more obvious since it is an element in the prevention of jail escapes.

In Texas, the members of the jail staff responsible for the booking process are required to receive additional training. This training includes additional instructions on properly classifying inmates in the interest of suicide prevention and inmate safety. They learn how to interpret behaviors and statements that suggest a person could be suicidal. Inmates who are classified as potentially suicidal receive more intense supervision, which is the best deterrent for inmates in danger of self-harm.

The classification of inmates in Bexar County Jail came under scrutiny in 2019 after numerous inmates were mistakenly released. Per a news article, the sheriff said the archives had been checked and there were 15 mistaken or erroneous releases at the jail from January through mid-October of that year.

Support is Available for Jail Neglect Victims

The Law Offices of Dean Malone have extensive experience asserting the rights of county jail inmates and their loved ones. Do you suspect that jail neglect contributed to the loss of a family member in a Texas jail? If so, we encourage you to contact us. We also assist individuals who suffered lifechanging harm resulting from neglect or abuse after they are released from a county jail.

Reach out to us today by phone, text, or through our online form for a free case review.

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smchugh

Randall County Jail Inmate Bryan Fields is Found Deceased

3d interior Jail
3d interior Jail

Bryan Austin Fields had his 29th birthday a month before he was booked into Randall County Jail on March 15, 2023. Tragically, he was discovered deceased in his single-occupancy cell on October 16, 2024. The cause of his death is unknown and awaiting autopsy results. Although custodial death reports (CDRs) are due to be filed within 30 days after a detainee’s death, the CDR about Mr. Fields wasn’t filed until December 2, 2024.

The CDR states that the deceased developed a medical condition that caused his death after being admitted into the jail, though nothing more specific about the illness or possible treatment he received is found in the report. However, the report does reveal that he exhibited mental health problems during the booking process. The summary of how Mr. Fields’ death occurred states that on August 8, 2024, a writ of mental commitment was issued. He was awaiting transfer to the state hospital.

After the body of the deceased was found at 4:45 AM on October 16, 2024, efforts were made to resuscitate him. Those efforts, having failed, stopped at 5:07 AM. He was only 30 years old when he was pronounced deceased.

The address of Randall County Jail is 9100 Georgia St, Amarillo TX 79118. The jail’s inmate capacity is 310.

Mental Health Challenges in Texas Jails

Approximately 34% of the inmate population in Texas jails have mental health disorders. An investigative report released in 2023 revealed that–in the eight-county greater Houston, Texas, area alone–at least 52 people with mental disorders died in local jails in the past decade.

Details follow about two of the custodial suicides mentioned in the report:

  • A 26-year-old was pulled off of a bridge railing by police officers. Fearing he would hurt himself, the officers arrested the man for public intoxication. He was provided with a blanket in the Kemah City Jail. Tragically, he was discovered deceased 40 minutes later, having used the blanket to hang himself. History shows that about 24% of jail suicides occur within the first 24 hours.
  • A 22-year-old was housed in the mental health cell block in Fort Bend County Jail. Tragically, the young man died after he was discovered hanging from the bars of his cell door. He had been at the jail from December 2021 through February 2022.

Get Legal Support for Jail Neglect Cases from the Law Offices of Dean Malone

If you or a loved one has suffered due to neglect in a Texas jail, it’s important to seek knowledgeable legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our dedicated team is committed to helping families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails potentially as a result of neglect or abuse resulting in suicide. We also encourage former jail inmates suffering from significant injuries caused by jail neglect or abuse to reach out to us for support.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available around the clock by phone, text, or through our online form.

author avatar
smchugh

Richard Perez Dies of Unknown Causes in Atascosa County Jail

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Richard Perez was only 20 years old when he was booked into Atascosa County Jail on October 1, 2024. His 21st birthday was 12 days later. Tragically, he died in the jail’s custody after 33 days of incarceration. Under the direction of Sheriff David Soward, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Department on November 25, 2024.

The summary of how Mr. Perez’s death occurred sheds no light on the cause of the tragedy. It says that he laid down on his bunk, which was in a multiple-occupancy cell. Soon after, several inmates asked guards to check on him. The guards found that Mr. Perez was unresponsive. He was moved to the booking area and ultimately transported by ambulance to a hospital. Mr. Perez was pronounced deceased at 1:43 AM on November 3, 2024. An investigation found no signs of foul play.

The Atascosa County Jail is located at 1108 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton, Texas 78026. The facility has a 138-bed capacity.

Atascosa County Jail was Cited for Non-Compliance After a Custodial Suicide

A 34-year-old man didn’t live three full days after being booked into Atascosa County Jail on June 28, 2023. The man hung himself with a towel and died by suicide on July 1 last year. However, the CDR about the man’s death was filed on July 17, 2024—a year late, as the deadline for filing is 30 days after a death. Because of the death, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted a special jail inspection on August 28, 2023. TCJS inspectors discovered the following:

  • A video that was submitted after a custodial suicide revealed that a detainee was placed in the ‘dress out’ room to shower and change into a jail-issued uniform and was not observed for 61 minutes.

Can Jails Be Held Accountable for Neglect Related to Suicides?

Suicide is an extremely serious matter in jails because it is consistently the leading cause of inmate deaths. Suicide prevention measures are part of the mandatory training for all jail staff. Supervision is recognized as the greatest deterrent to suicide.

County and municipal jails often struggle with understaffing. One of the unfortunate outcomes of staffing issues is that they lead to violations of minimum jail standards related to the supervision of inmates. Statistics show that about 23% or more of all custodial suicides occur within the first 24 hours of incarceration. New inmates are also at an increased risk of suicide for the first two weeks, based on research and statistics.

Neglecting suicide prevention measures could arguably be presented as evidence of deliberate indifference toward this threat to detainees’ lives.

Legal Support for Jail Neglect in Custodial Suicides

If you believe your loved one’s death in a Texas jail was caused by neglect or abuse, it’s essential to seek knowledgeable legal representation. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to protecting the rights of inmates and their families. Our team handles jail death cases, including those involving custodial suicides, and brings extensive experience to these challenging and sensitive situations.

Additionally, if you are a former inmate who has suffered serious injuries due to abuse, neglect, or inadequate medical care while incarcerated, we may be able to help. Reach out for a free case evaluation, 24/7 via phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh
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