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Category: Custodial Death

Another Inspection of Liberty County Jail Finds Hazardous Non-Compliance

3d interior Jail
3d interior Jail

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent Liberty County Jail a notice of non-compliance on March 24, 2025, that refers to both an escape and a riot occurring in the previous month. Currently, five failed Liberty County Jail inspections are listed on the TCJS website. In this latest jail inspection report, Liberty County is cited for three minimum jail standards violations.

The following notes made by TCJS inspectors reveal the potential risks that inmates and/or the community have been exposed to because of the failure of Liberty County Jail to comply with the rules of operation in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC):

  • Following the February 9, 2025, escape of an inmate held in Liberty County Jail, it was determined that the inmate had been placed in visitation ‘for safekeeping’ instead of a holding cell. Visitation areas are not designed for and shall not be utilized as holding cells.
  • A comprehensive onsite inspection was conducted in January 2025, when it was determined that Liberty County Jail could only open doors on the west end of the jail using remote control. All other doors had to be manually secured. After a review of an escape that occurred on February 9, 2025, it was determined that the ‘slider’ door on the lobby side worked with a key only, and the ‘slider’ door on the secure side did not lock at all. In addition, the visitation area door did not lock. All three doors were unsecured, thus allowing the inmate to escape the facility.
  • During the review of a serious incident (riot) that occurred on February 27, 2025, it was determined that four (4) inmates were classified as minimum custody and housed with maximum custody inmates.

Liberty County Jail is at 2400 Beaumont Ave. in Liberty, TX 77575. The Liberty jail has a bed capacity of about 285.

A Riot at Liberty County Jail Involves 40+ Detainees

In late February 2025, news reports provided details about a riot that broke out at Liberty County Jail in Liberty, Texas, as deputies began searching for contraband in the cells. Forty-four inmates were purportedly involved in the riotous activities that included breaking windows, throwing things, and using clothing to block doors and prevent them from being locked.

Detainees briefly took control of two dorms. Being outnumbered by inmates, deputies evacuated the area and waited for backup in a hallway. Officers got the upper hand within about 45 minutes, using gas to get the situation back under control. No members of law enforcement were injured, but one of the principal rioters received medical attention.

Legal Help for Jail Death Cases Involving Medical Neglect

If you suspect that a loved one’s death in a Texas jail was caused by medical neglect, abuse, or mistreatment, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal guidance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to helping families pursue justice in wrongful death cases and jail suicides involving jail negligence. Our knowledgeable legal team has gained an in-depth understanding of these complex and sensitive cases.

We offer free case evaluations. Contact us by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Williamson County Jail Inmate Alexis Oliva-Garcia Dies on Day 12

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Alexis Oliva-Garcia entered Williamson County Jail on March 7, 2025. Per the custodial death report (CDR) filed by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department, Mr. Oliva-Garcia made suicidal statements during intake. He also exhibited mental health problems and appeared to be intoxicated on drugs or alcohol, which are two additional conditions that heighten an inmate’s risk of suicide. Further exacerbating the risk of self-harm, Mr. Oliva-Garcia was placed in a single-occupancy cell, where immediate supervision by others is lacking. Williamson County corrections officers discovered him unresponsive in his cell on March 10, 2025. Lifesaving measures were applied at the jail and in the intensive care unit at Seton Williamson Hospital, where Mr. Oliva-Garcia was transported by ambulance.

After the decision by his family to remove him from life support, 35-year-old Alexis Oliva-Garcia was pronounced deceased on March 18, 2025, by hospital physicians. His cause of death is unknown and pending autopsy results.

It also says in the summary of how the death of Alexis Oliva-Garcia occurred that the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is aiding the Texas Rangers, whom it appears the sheriff’s office notified to conduct an independent investigation. This action seems to contradict the requirement that third-party appointments for investigations into inmate deaths should be made by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS). The purpose of this mandate is to ensure that there will be no conflict of interest when inmate death investigations are carried out.

Williamson County Jail where Mr. Oliva-Garcia was housed for the first four days of his incarceration is at 306 W 4th Street in Georgetown, Texas 78626. The inmate capacity of the Georgetown jail is 1,128.

Is Accountability for Suicides in Local Jails Lacking?

Jail death investigations have been a topic of concern across the U.S. For example, in 2021, after two allegedly preventable suicides took place in Minnesota jails, a protest arose because jail deaths are not required to be investigated by third-party, independent investigators in that state.

The prevailing thought is that it can be extremely challenging to find out what happened inside a jail that may have contributed to an inmate’s death. According to the prevailing philosophy of the International Red Cross, for example, those who investigate these devastating events should have no relationship with agencies or persons whose conduct is to be investigated, and it specifies that no hierarchical and established relationships should exist.

Suicide being the leading cause of death in jails and occurring at a much higher rate than either in prisons or outside custodial settings, jails have an obligation to make suicide prevention a priority. Many experts have found that nearly all jail suicides are preventable if diligence is applied to following guidelines and actions that work together to prevent these tragedies from occurring.

Was Your Loved One a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Correctional facilities have a responsibility to protect the well-being of those in their custody. When that duty is neglected, the consequences can be devastating. With extensive experience advocating for inmate rights, our team at the Law Offices of Dean Malone is committed to helping families affected by jail negligence.

If you suspect that a loved one’s death in jail resulted from abuse or medical neglect, we may be able to help you pursue justice. Our dedicated legal team concentrates on cases involving jail deaths, including those caused by suicide.

Contact us today—we’re available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

James Price Dies After Incarceration in Parker County Jail

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Fifty-four-year-old James Fred Price was booked into Parker County Jail in Weatherford, Texas, on March 6, 2024. Tragically, Mr. Price died at 6:30 PM on March 24, 2025, while he was still in the jail’s custody. Additional details from the custodial death report (CDR) follow.

A little more than a year after entering Parker County Jail, Mr. Price was transferred to the Medical City Weatherford Hospital. The date was March 22, 2025, and medical staff at the jail had directed security staff to transport Mr. Price to the hospital for further evaluation and care for abnormal vital signs (unreadable blood pressure) and low oxygen levels. The hospital staff believed that Mr. Price was having a heart attack. He was placed on a support machine and was transported by ambulance to Medical City Fort Worth Hospital to receive further care.

On March 23, 2025, Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier gave the family of Mr. Price full visitation clearance. On March 24, 2025, at 1:50 PM, the CDR states that “the State of Texas and the County of Parker both fully released Mr. Price from custody.” The officer on hospital guard duty left the room at about 2:09 PM, and Mr. Price had family members with him in the hospital room.

The CDR also tells about the jail facility receiving a call that was purportedly from a funeral home in Fort Worth, Texas, at about the same moment Mr. Price was declared deceased. The caller asked for the jail’s billing information, stating that he had passed away and the jail was to pay for the funeral.

The address of the Parker County Detention Center is 612 Jameson St., Weatherford, Texas 76086. The inmate capacity there is 461.

Six Harris County Jail Inmate Deaths were Not Reported to the State

When an inmate gets sick in a Texas jail, he or she may be transported to a hospital to receive care beyond what the jail’s medical staff offers. It has been well established that when an inmate who would still be incarcerated except for a medical issue ends up being pronounced deceased outside the jail, that individual died in the jail’s custody. Jails are required to file a CDR within 30 days of an inmate death. This wasn’t always the case, and some jails sometimes still fail to report inmate deaths.

As a result of a 2023 investigation into the deaths of six Harris County Jail inmates, it was discovered that Harris County in Houston, Texas, did not report them. The concern with lack of reporting is that a proper investigation into the inmate’s death subsequently does not occur. When inmates die due to jail neglect, medical neglect, or jail abuse, family members can pursue justice on behalf of their loved one and may receive compensation for their loss.

Need Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Incarceration should never mean a loss of basic human rights. When individuals in Texas jails are denied necessary medical care or subjected to mistreatment, those responsible must be held accountable.

If you have lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe neglect played a role in their death, we may be able to help. Our legal team has extensive experience handling cases of custodial deaths, including incidents of jail medical neglect, and understands the complexities of fighting for inmate rights within the correctional system.

Contact us today by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

TCJS Posts New Jail Death Information After News of a Public Outcry

Front of Jail Cell

A new document listing the agencies appointed to investigate March jail deaths has been posted on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A link to the report is here –

https://www.tcjs.state.tx.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LEApptMar2025-2.pdf

This March 24, 2025, posting came on the heels of media coverage asserting that TCJS has failed to comply with rules regarding custodial death investigations. One lengthy news report from Star-Telegram.com on this topic includes details of family members addressing members of TCJS about the custodial deaths of their loved ones.

The table or spreadsheet on which TCJS has begun listing appointments for death investigations has five columns listing the county, date of death, the appointed agency, the date of the appointment, and the status, now showing all cases listed are “under investigation.”

The data is listed according to the inmates’ dates of death. For example, Ector and Bexar Counties are listed first, both regarding custodial deaths that occurred on March 1, 2025. Taylor County is currently listed last, reflecting an inmate death on March 23, 2025.

The other counties listed at this time are Bastrop, Madison, El Paso, Dallas, Williamson, and Cooke Counties. The appointed agency is the Texas Rangers in every county except two. In Bexar County, the Bexar County Constable Precinct 2 has been appointed to conduct an independent investigation of the March 1 inmate death. In Dallas, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office has been appointed to investigate a March 11, 2025, inmate death.

Jails are required to file custodial death reports with the Office of the Attorney General within 30 days.

The Texas Rule About Investigations into Jail Deaths

Texas rules added a key provision about jail deaths when the Sandra Bland Act went into effect in 2017. Since that time, TCJS has been obligated to ensure that independent third-party law enforcement agencies investigate all county and municipal jail inmate deaths. Instead, Texas sheriff’s offices responsible for jail operations have been allowed to choose which law enforcement agencies they want appointed to investigate the deaths of detainees in their custody.

In March 11, 2025, news, TCJS Executive Director Brandon Wood allegedly acknowledged that the Commission merely approves the investigating agencies chosen by sheriffs for each custodial death, though he did not respond to interview requests on the topic. Civil attorney Dean Malone–whose firm represents people in jail neglect, abuse, and suicide cases–says that, to his knowledge, TCJS is not appointing third-party law enforcement agencies to investigate each death. Mr. Malone further said that this failure to act has resulted in merely “rubber stamp” reviews of the sheriff’s departments’ accounts of what happened when custodial deaths occur in the jails under their jurisdictions.

Two March 2025 Jail Suicides are Under Investigation by the Texas Rangers

Jail suicides should always invite scrutiny. Because suicide is the leading cause of death in city and county jails, suicide prevention is a critical responsibility of jail staff. Of the jails and custodial deaths listed along with the appointed agencies, only the custodial death reports (CDRs) for the inmate deaths in Ector, El Paso, Bastrop, Dallas, and Taylor Counties have been posted to date. Tragically, two of those deaths are shown as suicides. Details follow:

  • A 46-year-old male entered Ector County Jail on February 21, 2025, and was placed in a single cell. He did not make a suicidal statement upon entry to the jail. However, he had advised jail staff that he was detoxing off alcohol and drugs, which is a circumstance that is known to place inmates at a heightened risk for suicide. On February 24, 2025, video cameras in the ceiling of his cell captured the inmate tying his bed sheet to a mesh wire wall, wrapping the sheet around his neck, and stepping off the bed, hanging himself. He hung there for approximately 20 minutes before a detention officer discovered him and cut him down. Lifesaving efforts began immediately, but he finally succumbed to the injuries from the suicide attempt on March 1, 2025.
  • On March 7, 2025, a 54-year-old male entered El Paso Jail. He was discovered hanging in the general population Cellblock 540 at 12:10 PM on March 9, 2025. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at 4:25 PM that same day.

Seeking Legal Support for a Jail Death Case?

If you believe a loved one’s death in a jail facility resulted from medical neglect, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Inmates, including pretrial detainees, have a constitutional right to proper medical care. When correctional staff fail to provide adequate treatment or demonstrate deliberate indifference to an inmate’s health and well-being, they can and should be held accountable.

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to seeking justice in cases involving jail deaths resulting from neglect, abuse, or medical negligence. Our dedicated team is here to provide legal support. Reach out today by phone or through our online form.

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smchugh

Dallas County Jail Inmate Andra Adkins Dies Within 21 Hours

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3d interior Jail

Andra Lamont Adkins was arrested by officers with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department on March 10, 2025. He was booked into Dallas County Jail at 7:52 PM that night. Tragically, Mr. Adkins died just 21 hours later. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Adkins on March 20, 2025. The CDR reveals that Mr. Adkins had a pre-existing medical condition.

In the summary of how the death of Mr. Adkins occurred, we learn that at about 3:30 AM on March 11, 2025, jail staff observed him in the male holdover area. Mr. Adkins was pulling on the dialysis portal in his chest, causing him to bleed heavily. Jail staff immediately contacted the jail medical staff with Parkland Health, requesting that Mr. Adkins receive medical attention.

Parkland Health jail staff arrived and began lifesaving measures. After arriving at about 3:52 AM, Dallas Fire and Rescue transported Mr. Adkins by ambulance to Parkland Memorial Hospital at 3:57 AM. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Ho pronounced Mr. Adkins deceased at 4:58 AM on March 11.

Dr. Herndon, the Dallas County Medical Examiner, stated on March 12, 2025, that no autopsy would be performed on Mr. Adkins because he had several medical conditions. Mr. Adkins’ medical history was documented and included a history of heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and several other health conditions.

The address of Dallas County Jail aka Lew Sterrett Justice Center is 111 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX, 75027. The jail has an inmate capacity of approximately 7,000.

Can Jails Be Held Accountable for Foreseeable Suicides?

In county and municipal jails, suicide is the leading cause of death. Suicide prevention was included in the training of 62% of U.S. jail staff, according to a 2005-2006 study by the National Institute of Corrections (“NIC”). However, most of these training sessions were two hours or less. Therefore, a lack of sufficient training is likely a contributing factor to the ongoing prevalence of suicide in local jails.

Statistics provide clear insights and indicators regarding the potential timing of custodial suicides. Yet, inmates frequently die in predictable circumstances. For instance, a significant percentage of jail inmates who die by suicide hang themselves within the first 24 hours of incarceration. Likewise, overcrowding is known to increase incidents of violence, including self-harm and suicide.

Tragically, incidents of jail suicides are everyday news. Two recent stories follow, in brief:

  • An inmate who hung himself on March 4, 2025, in Guilford County Detention Center in High Point, North Carolina, died from his injuries six days later, on March 11.
  • A fire captain died on February 25, 2025, after hanging himself using a bedsheet at the Falkenburg Road Jail in Tampa, Florida. He was not on suicide watch at the time.

Need Assistance with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being held in a local jail doesn’t mean losing your basic rights. When detainees are mistreated, such as being denied critical medical care, it’s important to hold those responsible accountable.

Have you lost a family member who was incarcerated and suspect that jail neglect or abuse played a role in their death? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have gained years of experience in cases involving custodial deaths.

Don’t delay. Contact us by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Devin Williams is the 2nd Inmate in 4 Days to Die in Harris County Jail

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Devin Todd Williams was booked into Harris County Jail in Houston, Texas, on February 26, 2025, at 9:31 PM. For causes currently unknown, he was pronounced deceased inside the jail within 12 hours. Mr. Williams was the second inmate to die in Harris County Jail within 4 days.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Department filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Williams on March 18, 2025, the same day they filed the CDR for Eric Dewayne Jackson III. Whereas the summary about the events leading to Mr. Jackson’s death was void of details, the summary about Mr. Williams’ death uses unique though puzzling statements.

The CDR about Mr. Williams states that during the February 26, 2025, booking process, “the decedent was sitting in a chair with a large amount of inmates.” Next, it says that on February 27, 2025, officers tried to wake up the decedent for count. It next states: “The decedent was determined to be unresponsive”. Medical staff arrived and lifesaving procedures began, and the decedent was transported to the jail clinic. The Houston Fire Department was called, and paramedics arrived and assumed lifesaving measures. Mr. Jackson was pronounced deceased in the jail clinic at 9:10 AM.

The Autopsy of Knox County Jail Inmate David Batts Reveals His Cause of Death

David Batts, 46, was arrested in January 2025 and taken to the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility in Knox County, Knoxville, Tennessee. He struggled with Knox County deputies, who struck Mr. Batts in the face and used a taser against him. Approximately 9 hours later, detention staff requested assistance from EMS personnel due to the “worsening altered mental status” of Mr. Batts. Within hours, he was pronounced deceased by emergency medical staff at a local hospital on January 8, 2025.

The autopsy report states that the cause of Mr. Batts’ death was acute meningitis with sepsis. In addition, the autopsy revealed that his brain was covered in pus that tested positive for streptococcus intermedius.

Inmate Darius Randell Robinson Died of Strangulation in a Homicide at a Louisiana Jail

Darius Randell Robinson Died on April 5, 2016, after incarceration in Caddo County Detention Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. Jail staff reported that he tried to escape his cell a few days after he arrived at the jail. He allegedly charged the staff, and the results of an autopsy indicate what happened to Mr. Robinson next. His neck was broken, and he also had cuts and bleeding from his handcuffs. Mr. Robinson’s probable cause of death is listed as asphyxiation due to “manual compression of neck.” His death was later ruled a homicide.

Looking for Legal Support in a Jail Negligence Case?

Studies indicate that almost 70% of inmates in local U.S. jails with chronic medical problems receive inadequate health care—a troubling reality. If your loved one suffered abuse or medical neglect while incarcerated in a Texas jail and you suspect that it led to their death, you have the right to seek justice. The Law Offices of Dean Malone has extensive experience handling cases involving in-custody deaths, including those resulting from neglect or suicide.

We are here to help. Reach out today via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

23-Year-Old Inmate Eric Jackson Dies in Harris County Jail

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Eric Dewayne Jackson III was only 22 when he entered Harris County Jail on April 14, 2024. Tragically, he died in the jail at age 23 on February 24, 2025. His cause of death is unknown and pending an autopsy. The Harris County Sheriff’s Department filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Jackson on March 18, 2025.

The CDR indicates that Mr. Jackson exhibited medical problems during intake. However, no further details are provided in the report to indicate what type of medical issues he may have had or any medical attention he may have received during his incarceration.

The summary of how Mr. Jackson’s death occurred includes nothing more than generic information. It begins on February 24, 2025, with another Harris County Jail inmate alerting jail staff that he needed medical attention. After a response from officers and medical staff, Mr. Jackson was transported to the jail clinic. Lifesaving measures were performed, and paramedics and the Houston Fire Department were called to the scene. Mr. Jackson was pronounced deceased in the jail clinic at 5:29 AM.

The Harris County Jail facility where Mr. Jackson was housed is at 701 San Jacinto St, Houston TX 77002. The Houston jail has a bed capacity of 3,965.

Facts Continue to Emerge About a Louisiana Inmate’s Death

Ryan Moreau was only 38 years old when he suffered an unknown medical emergency and died of unknown causes on March 5, 2025, in the West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center. Since that time, an autopsy has been performed, though Mr. Moreau’s cause of death remains unconfirmed due to pending toxicology results.

Authorities have released information related to Mr. Moreau’s death, though the investigation is ongoing. Apparently, the deceased received an item or substance from a fellow inmate. That individual approached another inmate, who positioned himself between the detention center deputies who were rendering aid to Mr. Moreau and the bunk of the inmate who had given something to the deceased. Video evidence shows that an unknown package was concealed under an inmate’s arm who left that cell later that day.

A facility-wide shakedown ordered in connection with Mr. Moreau’s death took place on March 7, 2025, and the following were among the contraband recovered:

  • Various papers and “greeting cards” soaked in an unknown substance, some of which tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids
  • Wire shanks (improvised weapons)
  • Suspected loose tobacco
  • Crude tattoo devices
  • Various prescription medications issued by the detention center’s medical department

The West Baton Rouge Parish Detention Center is at 1150 Northwest Dr in Port Allen, LA 70767.

Need Legal Help for Justice in a Jail Death Case?

If a loved one has died in a jail facility and you suspect it may have been due to medical neglect, act quickly to get experienced legal help. Inmates, including pretrial detainees, have a constitutional right to proper medical care. When jail officials fail to provide adequate treatment or show deliberate indifference to an inmate’s health needs, they can and should be held accountable.

The Law Offices of Dean Malone is dedicated to fighting for justice in jail death cases involving jail neglect, abuse, or medical neglect. We have a team devoted to that purpose. Contact us today.

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smchugh

Lamb County Jail is Found Non-Compliant in Distributing Prescription Medications

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Lamb County Jail was sent a notice of non-compliance after a February 28, 2025, special jail inspection. In addition, the Littlefield, Texas, jail is now listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website along with other Texas jails cited for violating minimum jail standards.

Lamb County Jail has allegedly failed to comply with two rules in the chapter on health services. Both violations involve the distribution of prescription medication to inmates according to physicians’ orders. TCJS inspectors determined that Lamb County Jail has a systemic issue. Due to their similarity, details in the following paragraph combine the information from both violations:

  • It was determined during a review of medication administration records (MARS) that medication was not being distributed to each detainee as ordered by the prescribing physician. It was discovered that there were 536 instances in which jailers indicated the medication was “out of stock.” This occurred out of 4,639 instances in all in which medications were ordered to be administered. Administration explained that staff sometimes marked the box “out of stock” when, in fact, the inmate had refused the medication. Therefore, the medication administration records were not documented correctly.

Lamb County Jail is located at 1200 E Waylon Jennings Blvd. in Littlefield, Texas 79339. The inmate capacity is 54.

Jail Inmates Die from Lack of Prescription Medications

After tragic custodial deaths, family members often speak up about a lack of medical care and also, in particular, the jail’s failure to distribute necessary prescription medications to their loved ones. It is always important for inmates to be supplied with their medications, but it is a critical matter when the lack of medicines can be a matter of life or death. The following are some of the many news stories revealing that jail inmates passed away because they did not receive their necessary prescribed medicines:

  • D’Vonte Valentine was only 24 years old when he died in the custody of Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas. Mr. Valentine required steroid medication for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder. He informed the jail staff that he could not live without the steroids. Jail staff put the steroids into the locker with his other belongings. He never received the steroids and died in a matter of days.
  • Dexter Barry died three days after being released from Duval County Jail in Jacksonville, Florida. He was held in the jail for only two days, but during that time, the jail staff did not give him access to medication that was necessary to keep him alive. As a heart transplant recipient, it was essential to take anti-rejection medication daily.

Legal Support for Jail Medical Neglect and Abuse

If you believe a loved one died in a Texas jail due to neglect, abuse, or inadequate medical care, it is essential to seek skilled legal representation. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are dedicated to advocating for inmates and their families in cases involving in-custody deaths by jail negligence. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of these cases and fights to hold responsible parties accountable.

If a family member has passed away due to jail neglect, we encourage you to reach out. We offer free case reviews. Call, text, or complete our online form today. Time is of the essence.

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smchugh

Irving Municipal Jail Inmate Patrick Jones Dies Within 24 Hours

Front of Jail Cell

Thirty-two-year-old Patrick Jones went through intake at Irving City Jail in Irving, Texas, at 3:13 AM on March 10, 2025. Approximately 90 minutes after the booking process, he was discovered unresponsive. Detention staff immediately began lifesaving measures, and Mr. Jones was transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Irving. At about 5:25 AM on March 11, 2025, Mr. Jones was pronounced deceased. His cause of death is unknown, and autopsy results are awaited.

The Irving Police Department filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Jones on March 11, 2025, a few hours after his death.

Irving City Jail is at 305 N O’Connor Rd, Irving, TX 75061, where the Irving Police Department is also located. The bed capacity of the Irving municipal jail is 172.

Jail Deaths that Occur Within Hours

Generally, when inmates die within hours of being booked into a city or county jail, their cause of death may be by suicide or drug or alcohol intoxication.  Medical neglect can also be the cause.  It is always important to wait for an autopsy report before drawing any conclusions.

Jail Suicides

A substantial number of jail suicides occur shortly after inmates have been admitted through the booking process. More than 1 in 10 jail suicides happen within a day of admission, according to a report from the Vera Institute of Justice. The suicide rate in jails is consistently higher than the rate in prisons. Supervision is the most effective way to prevent jail suicides.

Care should be taken so that suicidal inmates don’t have anything with which to fashion a ligature. Close to 90% of jail suicides occur by hanging and self-strangulation.

Drug and Alcohol Intoxication Deaths in Jails

The median time when drug and alcohol intoxication deaths occur in jails is one day. The rate of these types of jail deaths is significant and increasing each year. Women in jails died of drug and alcohol intoxication at twice the rate of men between 2000 and 2018.

Illegally made fentanyl is a big factor in the increasing number of jail deaths by drug intoxication. Fentanyl is extremely potent, and someone can have an opioid overdose from contact with fentanyl powder. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is an ingredient found in most illegally made pills produced in drug markets today. Adding fentanyl makes drugs less expensive, more potent, more addictive, and far more dangerous.

Fighting for Justice in Jail Suicide and Medical Neglect Cases

Incarceration does not mean losing the right to proper care. If you believe a loved one’s death in a city or county jail was due to medical neglect or a preventable suicide, it’s essential to act quickly. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on custodial death cases, working to hold jails accountable and seek justice for families affected by negligence or deliberate indifference.

Contact us today by phone, text, or through our online form for a free case review. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of inmates and their loved ones.

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smchugh

Guadalupe County Jail Inmate John Taylor Dies After Arriving Intoxicated

3d interior Jail
3d interior Jail

Forty-five-year-old John Taylor appeared to be intoxicated when he entered Guadalupe County Jail on February 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM. Sadly, he was pronounced deceased three days later at 6:35 AM on February 24. The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Taylor was filed by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office on March 12, 2025. He died of unknown causes and the results of an autopsy are pending. There is no information about Mr. Taylor’s health problems while he was incarcerated. He was housed in the jail’s medical unit, however.

The summary of how Mr. Taylor died says that on the day of his death, medical and detention staff went to medical cell 11 to check on him. Mr. Taylor was in an awkward position. Upon entering the cell, it was discovered that Mr. Taylor was unresponsive. Lifesaving measures began immediately and included cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel transported Mr. Taylor to Guadalupe Regional Medical Center.

The address of Guadalupe County Jail is 2615 N Guadalupe Street in Seguin, Texas 78155. The Seguin jail has an inmate capacity of 598.

Drugs and Alcohol are the 3rd Leading Cause of Death in U.S. Jails

A watchdog group analyzed jail mortality data from 2000 through 2013, and they identified 1,441 jail deaths associated with drugs and alcohol. Among the discoveries made was that of the deaths within 7 days of arrest for alcohol intoxication, only 18% were coded to indicate that the cause of death involved alcohol or drug intoxication. With this in mind, it is reasonable to assume that drugs and alcohol contribute to more jail deaths than statistics show.

According to National Public Radio (NPR), overdose deaths in jail increased by more than 200% from 2001 to 2018. Although a shocking statistic, it hardly compares to the 611% increase in drug and alcohol intoxication deaths that occurred in prison during the same period. These devastating trends have been driven by opioids, though primarily illegal fentanyl.

Do Jails Administer Narcan for Opioid Overdoses?

There is no news of a mandate that lifesaving Narcan must be made available in U.S. jails. Narcan reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. With the sharp increase in opioid deaths, it only makes sense that jails should provide access to treatments such as Narcan that can reverse the effects of these dangerous drugs.

News stories often tell of multiple inmates experiencing opioid overdoses in U.S. jails, and when Narcan is administered, many lives are saved. For instance, in Santa Barbara Jail in California, a news story tells of three reversed overdoses. Sadly, three days before those rescues occurred, 37-year-old Luis Enrique Duron Rodriguez was discovered unresponsive in his cell, and he died from an opioid overdose after being transported to a hospital.

Need Legal Assistance for Jail Medical Neglect?

If you have lost a loved one due to medical neglect or mistreatment in a jail, the Law Offices of Dean Malone may be able to help. Inmates, including those awaiting trial, have a constitutional right to adequate medical care. When jail officials fail to provide necessary treatment or ignore serious medical needs, they must be held accountable.

Contact us for a free case evaluation. Call, text, or submit your details through our online form. We are here to fight for justice on your behalf.

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smchugh
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