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Category: Custodial Death

Cherokee County Jail Fails in the Distribution of Prescribed Meds

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3d interior Jail

After an inspection of Cherokee County Jail on August 19, 2024, a notice of non-compliance was sent to the jail on August 23 citing it for violating one minimum jail standard. As a result, the Cherokee County Jail is now listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website.

Under the Health Services Plan, the Cherokee County Jail was found to be in violation of the rule requiring prescription medications to be distributed according to the written instructions of physicians. A TCJS inspector indicated the following:

  • Medical administration records (MARs) at Cherokee County Jail were reviewed in response to a complaint. It was discovered that between January through June 2024, the distribution of prescribed medications was not completed on multiple occasions.

The address of Cherokee County Jail is 272 Underwood St, Rusk, TX 75785. The Rusk jail has an inmate capacity of 188.

Inmates in Local Jails Die Because They Are Denied Prescription Meds

There is no shortage of stories from jails across America about detainees who died because they were allegedly denied necessary medication. The following are a few examples found in recent news stories:

  • A particular third-party healthcare company is the target of a story about high death tolls in jails where they provide medical care. Details about several deaths are provided. One tragic death occurred in which it was ruled that a woman died in a jail outside Texas because she was denied her anti-seizure medication.
  • A 41-year-old man in a North Carolina county jail pleaded for his prescription anti-depressant medication. Records show he made the request 16 times, but his requests were denied. After being booked into the jail on April 3, 2021, he was found hanging in his cell on May 22, 2021, and was pronounced deceased that day.
  • A 54-year-old man was arrested for a misdemeanor in Florida. When he entered the jail, he explained that his heart would fail if he did not take his anti-rejection medicine for his heart transplant. While at the jail, he was not provided with his medication. The condition of his heart worsened to the point that he died of acute rejection of the heart three days after his release from jail.
  • There are many stories about detainees who were suffering through drug withdrawals and were not provided with treatments that could have saved their lives.

Pursuing Justice for Jail Deaths Caused by Neglect

Being incarcerated should not mean a loss of civil rights. If you suspect that a loved one died in a Texas jail due to jail neglect or abuse, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone as soon as possible. Our firm is dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by custodial deaths, with a devoted team focused on these cases. We can also help many former detainees who have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of jail neglect during their time in jail. Contact us anytime—by phone, text, or through our online form. We are available 24/7, and we are committed to asserting inmates’ fundamental rights.

 

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smchugh

Burleson County Jail is Cited After an Inmate’s Death

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Burleson County Jail in Caldwell, Texas, was recently added to the list of non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A day after an August 26, 2024, special jail inspection at the Caldwell jail, a notice of non-compliance was sent. TCJS inspectors found that two minimum jail standards were violated in connection with a custodial death at Burleson County Jail.

The TCJS inspector noted the following regarding Rule §273.2-Health Services Plan:

  • Following a custodial death at Burleson County Jail, the Medication Administration Records (MARs) were reviewed. Rather than administering a medication twice daily, as the physician ordered, it was given only once per day. Another medication that a physician indicated should be administered each night was not provided at all.

Burleson County Jail also violated Rule §275.1-Regular Observation by Jailers, allegedly in connection with a custodial death:

  • After a Burleson County Jail detainee died, a review of the video showing observation rounds revealed that they were not conducted according to minimum jail standards. On five (5) occasions, the jail staff did not conduct a face-to-face check of the inmate.

Burleson County Jail’s address is 1334 Highway 21 E. in Caldwell, Texas 77836. The jail has a bed capacity of 96.

How Important is Jail Supervision?

When Texas jails are inspected, it is often discovered that there has been at least one failure in regard to the supervision of detainees. As shown above, Burleson County Jail was cited for failing to conduct face-to-face checks as required. Lack of supervision according to minimum jail standards can have tragic consequences. From inmate-on-inmate violence to an inmate experiencing a medical emergency to a detainee attempting to commit suicide, supervision is the most important element of prevention.

Burleson County Jail Recently Failed to Provide Suicide Training

On September 26, 2023, a jail inspection revealed that Burleson County Jail violated one of the requirements under the suicide prevention plan. Inspectors’ notes revealed the following:

  • Out of 14 total jail staff, 4 did not complete the annual suicide prevention training as required by the Burleson County operational plan for the jail.

Suicide prevention should be a top priority in local jails because it is the leading cause of death in that environment. Jail staff training is essential because the staff are the ones who usually have the best opportunity to prevent an unnecessary death by suicide. Without training, important detainee protections could be denied. The most common method in which jail inmates commit suicide is by hanging, and death by hanging takes only a few minutes.

Need Assistance with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being held in a county or municipal jail doesn’t mean losing your fundamental rights. When detainees suffer mistreatment such as denial of medical care, it is vital that those responsible are held accountable.

Have you lost a family member in a Texas jail and believe neglect played a role in their death? Or perhaps you were previously incarcerated and sustained serious injuries due to negligence? If so, we may be able to assist. The Law Offices of Dean Malone is committed to handling custodial death cases, drawing on years of experience to offer dedicated legal representation.

We are available 24/7. Contact us by phone, text, or through our online form to arrange a free case evaluation.

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smchugh

Jose Galarza Dies in the Custody of the Dallas County Jail on 8/13/24

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Fifty-one-year-old Jose Guadalupe Galarza went through Dallas County Jail intake on March 21, 2024. Mr. Galarza died in the jail’s custody on August 13, 2024. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) on August 22, 2024. Although the results of an autopsy are still pending, the CDR shows that Mr. Galarza’s cause of death was heart failure. In the summary of how Mr. Galarza’s death occurred, the CDR shows that on the day of his death, he was transported by ambulance and admitted to Parkland Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. At 6:53 PM Dr. Dale Butler pronounced Mr. Galarza deceased, and he made the determination about the cause.

Located at 111 West Commerce St. in Dallas, TX, the Dallas County Jail is also known as the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Between the North Tower Detention Facility, the West Tower Detention Facility, and the Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility, Dallas County Jail can house approximately 7,100 detainees.

How Might Violations of Minimum Jail Standards Reflect on the Care of Inmates at Dallas County Jail?

In recent years, Dallas has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) on four occasions. Each provides information that may reveal lax standards toward the care of inmate, in violation of minimum standards.

For example, following a jail inspection conducted on September 6, 2022, a TCJS inspector left the following note:

  • A review of video submitted after custodial death revealed that observation rounds were not conducted in accordance with minimum jail standards.

This violation is in the category of inmate supervision. It is widely recognized that failing to supervise inmates according to minimum jail standards puts inmates at risk for suicide, untended medical emergencies, and inmate-on-inmate violence.

On October 18, 2018, there was a special jail inspection that was also a follow-up to a custodial death. Inspectors state that the 30-minute face-to-face observations of the inmate in question had not occurred.

How Might an Inmate’s Death at Dallas County Jail Suggest Possible Neglect?

On January 18, 2018, a 23-year-old detainee at Dallas County Jail died from “Septic complications of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection.” Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can be averted almost 100% of the time with proper monitoring of infection. In most cases, people who receive antibiotics in a timely manner recover instead of going into septic shock or experiencing other septic complications that result in death.

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

If you believe a loved one died due to neglect or abuse while in a Texas jail, obtaining skilled legal representation is essential. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are committed to asserting the rights of inmates and their families, with a focus on cases involving deaths in jail, including custodial suicides. Our experienced team is well-versed in handling these sensitive matters. Moreover, if you are a former inmate who suffered mistreatment, neglect, or inadequate medical care leading to severe injuries, we may be able to help. Reach out to us for a free case evaluation—our team is available around the clock by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Jose Viquez Dies in Dallas County Jail on 7/19/2024

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Jose Manuel Viquez was booked into Dallas County Jail on July 10, 2024. Mr. Viquez died in the jail on July 19, 2024, at age 46. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office on August 21, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Marian Brown. Mr. Viquez’s cause of death is unknown, and the results of an autopsy are awaited. The CDR, however, also indicates that his death was the result of a pre-existing medical condition. On the day he was admitted, he was placed in an inmate restraint chair because he was speaking belligerently and refusing to obey or acknowledge any order given by the jail staff.

The address of Dallas County Jail is 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas 75202. The jail has a bed capacity of just over 7,000.

Illinois Jails are Scrutinized Regarding Restraint Chairs

In an investigative series, disturbing stories about the use of restraint chairs in Illinois jails are coming to light. The exposé claims that “Illinois jails use them [restraint chairs] every day.” The first story is about a detainee in a county jail being forced into a restraint chair with a black mesh hood over his head.

When officers tightened the straps like tourniquets around the 57-year-old detainee’s wrists and his ankles and chest were also restrained, he panicked. The inmate shouted that he was unable to breathe. Officers took the hood off of him, but he was forced to stay in the chair for 3.5 hours, where he was fully restrained and could not move. He felt that his blood circulation was cut off, and he lost feeling in his hands. For months afterward, numbness in his hands allegedly persisted.

A watchdog group conducted a nine-month investigation into county jails in Illinois. They discovered that, on average, restraint chairs are used on inmates more than 1,000 times per year. They discovered that the chairs are frequently used in ways that violate manufacturers’ guidelines as well as their own jail policies.

A few examples of their findings follow:

  • In one county, inmates have been shocked with electricity while restrained with a stun cuff affixed to their leg.
  • There is evidence that jail staff sometimes restrained people for days, often repeatedly and for as long as a week.
  • After activities were exposed, the sheriff’s department in one county took fast action, such as stopping the use of stun cuffs.

Help for Jail Medical Neglect Cases: Is It Available?

Recent findings show that approximately 68% of inmates in county and city jails with chronic medical conditions do not receive adequate care during their incarceration—an alarming number. If you have suffered serious health complications due to medical neglect or other forms of neglect in a municipal or county jail, or if you have lost a loved one to such negligence in a Texas jail, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our firm has extensive experience in handling jail neglect cases, with a team dedicated to addressing jail death cases.

If we can assist in your case, we are ready to act. Contact us 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Michael Stewart Dies After Incarceration in Randall County Jail

Front of Jail Cell

Michael Glenn Stewart was booked into Randall County Jail on December 26, 2023. He died in the custody of the jail on July 23, 2024. The Randall County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Stewart on August 20, 2024, and it indicates that the cause of Mr. Stewart’s death was “acute renal failure with sepsis and septic shock.” The address of the Randall County Jail is 1501 Coulter St., Amarillo, TX 79106. The jail has a bed capacity of 454.

What is Sepsis?

When the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection or injury, a dangerous condition known as sepsis can develop. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that can worsen unpredictably and rapidly. What happens is that the infection-fighting processes turn on the body. Sepsis can lead to organ dysfunction, multiple organ failure, shock, and death. It’s important to note that the early treatment of sepsis greatly improves the chances for survival.

Infections in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, digestive system, bloodstream, or skin can result in sepsis. These and other types of infection can lead to severe sepsis and septic shock. “Blood poisoning” is a term often used instead of sepsis, though blood poisoning isn’t an accurate description of sepsis.

Symptoms of Sepsis

The symptoms of sepsis can vary from one person to the next, and children may respond differently to sepsis compared to adults. Some of they symptoms that can be evidence of sepsis include:

  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Shivering
  • Mental status changes
  • Sweating for no apparent reason
  • Symptoms specific to the type of infection causing the sepsis, such as a worsening cough from pneumonia or experiencing pain during urination caused by a urinary tract infection.

If treatment for sepsis is lacking, an individual may progress to septic shock, which increases the risk of death. With septic shock, a severe drop in blood pressure occurs. Other symptoms of septic shock include:

  • Strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake
  • Not capable of standing up
  • Extreme confusion occurs or some other major change in mental status

If a Person Dies of Sepsis in Jail, There Might be Fault

In jails, where detainees are supposed to receive medical attention, detainees should be treated for sepsis and/or its development.  Investigation into many custodial deaths show that if inmates have small infections, they are often made light of by jail staff. Treatment with antibiotics can usually divert the development of sepsis and, ultimately, septic shock.

A Law Firm Committed to Supporting Inmates and Their Families

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have dedicated many years to addressing cases involving jail neglect, abuse, and suicide. Our experienced team helps the families of individuals who may have lost their lives in county or municipal jails due to medical neglect. We have handled sepsis jail death cases. Additionally, if you are a former detainee in Texas and have endured serious, life-changing injuries because of jail abuse or neglect, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.

We are available around the clock via phone, text, or our online form. If you or a loved one has been affected by jail abuse or neglect resulting in death, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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smchugh

A Fellow Inmate Kills Jose Barrera in Bexar County Jail

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3d interior Jail

Jose Alejandro Barrera was booked into Bexar County Jail on December 15, 2024. He died in his cell at age 62 on August 13, 2024. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Barrera on August 15, 2024. The report states that Mr. Barrera’s manner of death was homicide, and the medical cause was strangulation.

In the summary of how the death occurred, the incident began at 1:58 PM on August 13. It was initiated by a request for assistance in unit CI, cell #08 regarding two inmates. Both were escorted out of the cell. Deputy Mireles returned to gather the personal property of both inmates. While there, another detainee in C108 told the deputy to check on Mr. Barrera because he had also been assaulted by one of the detainees who had just been removed from the cell.

He discovered that Mr. Barrera was lying on his back covered up to his neck with a bed sheet. The deputy saw no movement, and Mr. Barrera was unresponsive. He pulled down the sheet and observed that he wasn’t breathing. Lifesaving attempts began immediately and, after consulting with the University Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Harper, Mr. Barrera was pronounced deceased at 2:37 PM.

How Do Texas Jails Prevent Inmate-on-Inmate Violence?

Supervision of inmates is the best way to deter violence and suicide. Alarmingly, lack of proper observation is a common area in which Texas jails are found to be non-compliant. In 2019, Bexar County Jail was cited for non-compliance in February and May. Several of the rules violated were related to observations. The following are a couple of the inspector’s notes:

Observation logs indicated that jail staff exceeded the required face-to-face 15-minute observations on a continual basis. [The approved Bexar County Jail operational plan for inmates of full suicide precautions states that inmates shall be observed every 15 minutes.]

In areas where inmates must be observed every 60 minutes, jail staff continually exceeded the required observations by as few as 1 minute up to 126 minutes.

A Texas Jail Is Currently on the Verge of Overcrowding

In June 2024 news, the Potter County Jail population is reaching 85% capacity. The address of Potter County Jail is 13103 NE 29th in Amarillo, Texas 79111, and the jail’s bed capacity is 598. The county Commissioners’ Court voted unanimously to arrange for detainees to be housed in Deaf Smith County. Deaf Smith County Jail is at 235 E 3rd Street #205 in Hereford, Texas 79045. The jail has an inmate capacity of 93.

Sheriff Brian Thomas stated that 47 of the people currently incarcerated at Potter County Jail have been charged with murder, and 36 of them were already being moved. But, he said, “We are just having too much violent crime.”

Seek Help for Jail Medical Neglect with the Law Offices of Dean Malone

If you believe that a loved one died due to neglect or abuse while in the custody of a Texas jail, it’s essential to seek skilled legal support. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to asserting the rights of jail inmates and their families, particularly in cases involving jail-related deaths. Our experienced team is well-versed in handling these complex cases. If you are a former detainee who has experienced abuse, neglect, or medical negligence while in jail and are now facing life-altering injuries, we encourage you to reach out to us. For a free case evaluation, contact us any time, day or night—by phone, text, or through by our online form.

 

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smchugh

Robertson County Jail Again Fails to Provide Timely Observations

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Inspectors from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted an inspection at Robertson County Jail on July 25, 2024. The following day, a notice of non-compliance was issued to the Franklin, Texas, jail for the alleged violation of one minimum jail standard. In the chapter on the supervision of inmates, at-risk detainees, including those who are suicidal, must be observed by jailers face to face in staggered increments not to exceed every 30 minutes. Inspectors discovered that jail staff exceeded the 30-minute face-to-face observations by 1 to 23 minutes.

Robertson County Jail has a recent history of failing to provide proper supervision to the inmates who have been identified as the most vulnerable to suicide. In local jails, suicide is the leading cause of death among detainees, and suicide prevention is an essential role of the jail staff. The following are notes from TCJS inspectors when citing Robertson County Jail for violations of the supervision of inmates under two of the rules covering 30-minute observations. The notes are from inspections on the dates shown:

  • October 4, 2023: A review of 30- and 60-minute observations revealed that staff were exceeding the rounds by anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours;
  • October 26, 2018: Observation logs and video indicated that jail staff are not observing inmates confined in a holding cell or detoxification cell within 30 minutes as required by minimum standards.
  • June 26, 2018: There was no documentation to verify that observations were conducted every 30 minutes in holding and detox as required by minimum jail standards.; and, also, a review of observation logs indicated that jailers are exceeding the visual face-to-face observation of inmates as required by the administration. The observation log utilized by staff indicates that ALL jail checks are to be conducted within 30 minutes and printed on the log. Jailers are exceeding the 30-minute limit from 12 minutes up to 29 minutes.

Robertson County Jail’s address is 113 Deckard Street, Franklin, Texas 77856. The jail’s bed capacity is 53.

Texas Inmates in Local Jails Are at Risk for Suicide

A study in 2015 found that of 501 inmate deaths that occurred in county Texas jails since 2009, 140 of them—nearly one-third—were by suicide. Most were by hanging. Detainees had used bed linens, trash bags, telephone cords, electrical cords, and clothing to fashion ligatures and hang themselves. According to a case report on the topic, death takes only a few minutes to occur during a suicidal hanging. This alone is enough to stress the importance of the supervision of inmates according to TCJS guidelines.

Around-the-Clock Support for Jail Death Cases

Jails are responsible for ensuring the well-being of everyone in their custody. If you were detained in a Texas jail and suffered serious injuries due to neglect, including medical neglect, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. With extensive experience asserting inmates’ rights, we are committed to providing legal support whenever possible. If you have lost a loved one in jail due to suspected medical neglect or abuse, we may also be able to offer our assistance to you. A dedicated team at our office works exclusively on jail death cases.

Reach out to us as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Montgomery County Jail Fails in a Suicide Prevention Measure

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Montgomery County Jail in Conroe, Texas, has been added to the list of non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A day after the July 25, 2024, jail inspection, the correspondence advising the jail of their non-compliance was sent. TCJS inspectors discovered that Montgomery County Jail violated three minimum jail standards.

Two of the rules violated by Montgomery County Jail are part of the overall suicide prevention plan. The following notes from the inspectors indicate areas in which they failed to protect potentially suicidal detainees:

  • It was discovered during the inspection that staff were not processing suicide screening forms as outlined in Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22.
  • Face-to-face observations for areas with potentially suicidal, assaultive, and mentally ill detainees as well as those who have exhibited bizarre behavior were not conducted at least every 30 minutes, as required in minimum jail standards. Jail staff exceeded the 30-minute rounds by 1 minute up to 31 minutes.

Montgomery County Jail’s address is 1 Criminal Justice Dr, Conroe, TX 77301. The jail has a housing capacity of approximately 1,253 inmates.

A Suicide Allegedly Occurs in Montgomery County Jail During Observation Rules Violations

Suicide prevention is an important responsibility in Texas jails because it is recognized as the leading cause of death in county and municipal jails. It is often discovered that jails fail in the all-important requirement to provide supervision according to the rules.

Last year a 67-year-old detainee at Montgomery County Jail fashioned a makeshift ligature and used it to hang himself. The reason he was in a single cell was because he requested it saying he was afraid of being assaulted. The custodial death report’s (CDR’s) summary of how his death occurred also indicates that he was checked at 4:14 pm, 4:36 pm, and 4:58 pm prior to being discovered hanging in his cell at 5:04 pm.

  • TCJS inspected the jail after the man’s tragic death. They reported that the Montgomery County Jail Administration conducted an internal investigation of the in-custody suicide. It was discovered that the face-to-face observations had not occurred because the detainee had placed a sheet over the cell door, obstructing their view. Although jailers made rounds during the timeframe mandated, the observations were invalid because the jailers did not view the inmate face to face, which is required.

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a county or municipal jail does not mean losing basic rights. When detainees are mistreated or denied necessary medical care, those responsible must be held accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe their death was due to neglect? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered life-altering injuries because of negligence? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our team focuses on custodial death cases, and our years of experience allow us to provide thorough and dedicated representation.

Contact us 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form to schedule a free case review today.

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smchugh

Mary Mayfield is the 2nd Bell County Jail Inmate to Die on 7/19/24

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On July 8, 2024, two days after her 37th birthday, Mary Ann Mayfield went through Bell County Jail intake. Ms. Mayfield died in the custody of the jail on the afternoon of July 19, 2024. Under the direction of Sheriff Eddy Lange, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office on August 12, 2024. The CDR of another detainee who also died in Bell County Jail on July 19 was filed that day, as well. The other deceased inmate was a 27-year-old male. Both had been in the infirmary when they were found in an unresponsive state.

The CDR does not specify what Ms. Mayfield’s medical needs were, resulting in her being transferred to the jail’s infirmary on July 15. Amidst other details about jailer Caprica Brooks, who was providing cleaning supplies to other inmates at 10:26 PM, it says she heard Ms. Mayfield snoring and also noticed that she stopped snoring as she exited the cell. The CDR ultimately says that, minutes after leaving the cell, detainees banged on the door to report that Ms. Mayfield was not breathing. Jailer Brooks returned to the cell, where she found Ms. Mayfield chest-down on the bed, facing the back wall.

At 10:29 PM, Jailer Brooks and medical staff entered the cell, and a medical emergency was called. Lifesaving measures began and included the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and “all other medical treatment.” Emergency medical services (EMS) were called, and they found a weak pulse and transported Ms. Mayfield by ambulance to Baylor Scott & White Hospital. She was pronounced deceased at 4:44 PM. The cause of death awaits pending autopsy results, but the CDR indicates that Ms. Mayfield died of natural causes and also shows that it was a pre-existing medical condition.

Bell County Jail has an inmate capacity of 1,184. The address is 111 West Central Avenue, Belton, Texas 76513.

Texas Has a History of Jail Suicides

The leading cause of death in local and county jails in Texas and throughout the U.S. is suicide. Bell County Jail contributes to that statistic, as do many others. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) provides the minimum jail standards by which jails in Texas must operate, and they include establishing a suicide prevention plan and providing training to all jail staff. Some details about two tragic suicides of young men that took place in Bell County Jail follow:

  • A 23-year-old detainee was found hanging in a holding cell on the same night he had been booked into the jail. His manner of death, which occurred eight days later, was listed by the medical examiner as suicide by hanging.
  • The CDR about a 24-year-old man who died by suicide at Bell County Jail shows that he made suicidal statements when he went through intake. He hung himself two days later in the multiple-occupancy cell where he was housed. However, his death came two months and two days after his suicide attempt. The medical examiner showed the following as the cause of death:
    • 1. Respiratory Failure (35 days)
    • 2. Asphyxiation (mins.)
    • 3. Hanging by Ligature (mins.)

Seeking Justice for a Death Due to Jail Neglect

Incarceration does not strip individuals of their civil rights. If you believe that your loved one passed away in a U.S. jail due to medical neglect, it is crucial to act swiftly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone as soon as possible. Our dedicated team focuses on custodial death cases. We also assert the rights of former detainees who have suffered life-altering injuries while incarcerated. Reach out to us today by phone, text, or through our online form. We are deeply committed to inmates’ rights and are available 24/7 to assist you.

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smchugh

Landon Davis Dies in Bell County Jail on 7/19/24

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Landon Correll Davis was booked into Bell County Jail on November 7, 2023. Mr. Davis died in the jail on July 19, 2024, at 27 years of age. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office
on August 12, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Eddy Lange. Mr. Davis’s autopsy results are awaited, but the CDR shows that a pre-existing medical condition caused his death.

In the summary of how Mr. Davis’s death occurred, it says that after five days of complaints about constipation, he was brought to the infirmary on July 18. The next day at about 3:46 AM, jailer Margaret Watkins checked on Mr. Davis and saw that he was unresponsive and didn’t appear to be breathing. She also reported seeing that blood appeared to be coming from his mouth.

Lifesaving measures began and included efforts from medical staff and emergency medical services (EMS). The hospital was consulted, and lifesaving measures ceased in the cell. JP Coleman pronounced Mr. Davis deceased at 6:10 AM on July 19. The cell was secured, and the Texas Rangers and the Justice of the Peace were called.

The address of Bell County Jail is 111 West Central Avenue, Belton, Texas 76513. The jail has a 1,184-bed capacity.

Are Detainees in Texas Often Victims of Jail Medical Neglect?

More than 20 families joined forces a year ago to demand changes in the Texas county jail where their loved ones had died. Their open letter from the families and former inmates alleged a pattern of jail neglect. Twelve alleged victims suffered medical neglect and abuse in the jail.

The families pointed out that the jail had been in violation of minimum jail standards related to medical care for detainees three months earlier. The following were among the observations made by Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) inspectors:

Detainees at the jail were not seen by medical personnel within 48 hours, per the facility’s operational plan.

Five months ago, the jail was found noncompliant for its failure to follow doctor’s orders and provide medication to a detainee as directed. During the comprehensive re-inspection, it was discovered that the jail continues to fail to meet these requirements for inmate medical care.

Is Assistance Available for Medical Neglect Cases?

A recent study revealed that around 68% of detainees in county and city jails with chronic medical conditions do not receive proper medical care while incarcerated—a startling statistic. If you have experienced severe health issues due to medical neglect or any other form of neglect while in a municipal or county jail, or if a loved one has died as a result of such neglect in a U.S. jail, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our office has extensive experience handling jail neglect cases, with a dedicated team focused on jail death cases.

If we can assist with your situation, we are ready to help. We are available 24/7—contact us today by phone, text, or through our online form.

author avatar
smchugh
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