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Category: Custodial Death

Mclendon Caldwell Dies After Incarceration in Tarrant County Jail

Front of Jail Cell

Sixty-eight-year-old Mclendon Caldwell entered Tarrant County Jail on February 2, 2024. He died of unknown causes on July 12, 2024. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about his death on August 8, 2024.

The summary of how Mr. Caldwell’s death occurred doesn’t provide any clues about the cause. It says he was found unresponsive in his cell on July 11, 2024, and he died at John Peter Smith Hospital the next day.

The Lon Evans Corrections Center is the Tarrant County Jail facility where Mr. Caldwell was housed. The address is 600 W Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76102. The Lon Evans Corrections Center has a 1,169-bed capacity.

Tarrant County Jail Allegedly Fails to Prevent Drugs from Reaching Detainees

In July 2024 news, the family of a 23-year-old man who died in Tarrant County Jail of a fentanyl overdose is seeking to hold the jail accountable. Texas jails have a duty to effectively prevent drugs from being smuggled in and getting to inmates. The safety and well-being of detainees are the sheriffs’ responsibility.

Tarrant County Jail has been called out for 25 drug-related or mental health-related deaths since 2017, which an exposé points out was the year the current sheriff took office. In addition to those 25 custodial deaths, another 65 detainees have allegedly died in the custody of the sheriff’s office since 2017.

How Do Jails Handle Mentally Ill Inmates?

Another family is raising awareness about the death of a 31-year-old man who died in the custody of Tarrant County Jail. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office made a statement about the death, saying the man died after he was pepper sprayed during a confrontation with detention officers. The family says their loved one had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and they wanted to know the jail’s policy for dealing with mentally ill inmates.

News stories in April 2024 revealed that Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn blames the death of the schizophrenic detainee on the lack of mental health care available. He says that more needs to be done to treat mental illness among jail inmates. In addition, he pointed out that many of the issues plaguing Tarrant County Jail point to a lack of treatment for mental health issues. Previously, however, he pointed to short staffing and an increased jail population as chief contributors to the jail’s woes.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jails are obligated to ensure that all individuals are safe in their custody. If you were an inmate in a Texas jail and experienced serious injuries due to neglect, such as inadequate medical care, the Law Offices of Dean Malone is here to assist you.

With extensive experience in asserting inmates’ rights, we are dedicated to supporting those impacted by jail negligence. If you suspect that a loved one’s death in jail was due to neglect, we may be able to help you seek justice. Our dedicated team primarily focuses on cases involving jail deaths.

Reach out to us today to schedule a free case review. We’re available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

 

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smchugh

Carson County Jail in Panhandle TX is Found Non-Compliant

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3d interior Jail

Carson County Jail in Texas is currently listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A notice of non-compliance was sent on July 19, 2024, following a special jail inspection conducted on the same day. TCJS inspectors found Carson County Jail is in violation of one minimum jail standard under the rule about the mental disabilities/suicide prevention plan. Inspectors’ notes indicate the following:
The suicide screening forms for 15 inmates currently incarcerated were reviewed, and it was discovered that on 4 occasions, the magistrate was not notified, per instructions under Rule §273.5.
Carson County Jail’s address is 201 US Highway 60, P.O. Box 972, Panhandle, Texas 79068. The jail has a housing capacity of 50 inmates.

An Inmate at Carson County Jail Dies in 5 Hours

According to the custodial death report about an inmate who died 5 hours after being booked into Carson County Jail in August 2022, the 41-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication. After the booking that occurred at 6:02 AM, he was placed in a detox cell. He was observed at 7:45 AM, when Sheriff Tam Terry observed him standing in the cell where he had been placed.

Later, at a time that was not specified, the man was discovered to be having a seizure. Lifesaving measures were initiated, and the detainee was flown to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo. He was pronounced deceased at 10 AM. The medical examiner’s office determined that the detainee died of acute cocaine intoxication.

Detainees in U.S. Jails Deserve Addiction Treatments that Work

In an online publication sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 60% of incarcerated individuals in the U.S. have a substance abuse disorder. Three medications for opioid use disorder have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have proven effective. The three medications that are safe, effective, and lifesaving are:

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone

Among the studies related to these medications is one that shows that people in jail who receive naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone are less likely to return to substance use. They are also more likely to continue with treatment after being released.

Among our jails nationwide, less than half of them offer all three FDA-recommended medications. However, a recent study showed that 96% of jails provide naloxone to staff. Naloxone is a highly effective overdose reversal drug used in cases of an opioid overdose or a suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone quickly blocks the effects of opioids, reversing an otherwise deadly overdose.

Naloxone distribution in county jails has been a growing trend at least since 2021. Local jails can request free nasal naloxone kits from community organizations throughout the U.S.

Reach Out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Jail Death Cases

If you suspect a loved one died in jail due to neglect or if you were previously detained in a Texas county or municipal jail and suffered a significant injury from medical neglect or abuse, seeking experienced legal help is crucial.

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we routinely handle cases involving jail neglect, inmate abuse, and custodial deaths, including jail suicides. With our extensive experience, you can trust us to provide reliable legal representation. Don’t wait—contact us anytime, 24/7, by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Michael Rosas Dies in Bexar County Jail within 26 Hours

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Forty-six-year-old Michael Rosas was booked into Bexar County Jail at 11:13 AM on July 28, 2024. Tragically, he lived for only about another 26 hours. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Rosas on August 5, 2024. The CDR reveals that Mr. Rosas had been arrested on a drug offense. He exhibited medical problems during intake, but it was noted that he did not appear to be intoxicated on drugs or alcohol.

Mr. Rosas had been placed in holding HC12. At 12:36 PM on July 29, Deputy Roberts was making an observation check and saw no movement from him. Sgt. L. Salinas was called and arrived at the cell immediately. At 12:38 PM, she initiated a code 1 blue. Medical staff were on the scene immediately, as well, and began lifesaving measures. Emergency medical services (EMS) and the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) arrived at the cell at 12:45 PM. SAFD pronounced Mr. Rosas deceased 1:04 PM with a consultation with Dr. Miramontes.

Allegations of a Jail Death Case Caused by Neglect

A 27-year-old man was incarcerated in a Minnesota jail, and his family says that he was a victim of jail medical neglect. During the short time he was in jail, his health began to fail. He was sent to an emergency room after a staff nurse found him wearing a soaked adult diaper, begging for help. But jail guards told the ER doctor that the young man was faking his condition, and he was released.

For the next two days, he couldn’t walk on his own. He allegedly became paralyzed and was neglected as he lay on the floor of his cell for six days before being found deceased. An autopsy was performed, and the medical examiner found that the detainee had died of pneumonia and brain swelling.

Justice was continually sought on behalf of the young man, and a new investigation opened up after several years. The Department of Corrections found that the jail had been guilty of routine and gross violations of the minimum jail standards for that state.

A Jail Suicide is Allegedly a Result of Jail Neglect

Jails have an obligation to take action with regard to suicide prevention. In an Ohio jail, the family of a 36-year-old man allege that jail staff demonstrated callousness, indifference, and a disregard for human decency, resulting in a tragic suicide. The man had attempted suicide a little over a month before being arrested. Family members allege that he was not protected from himself or provided with counseling or medication.

Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Help with Jail Neglect Cases

If you or a loved one may have been affected by jail neglect, don’t hesitate to seek seasoned legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our experienced team is dedicated to helping families whose loved ones have died in Texas jails, potentially due to neglect. We also encourage former Texas jail inmates dealing with serious life issues from neglect or abuse to reach out to us.

Schedule your free case review with us today via phone, text, or our online form. We are available 24/7.

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smchugh

Potter County Jail Inmate Van Houang Dies

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Van To Houang was booked into Potter County Jail on January 12, 2024. At age 58, he died of unknown causes on July 29, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Houang was swiftly filed by the Potter County Sheriff’s Department on July 30, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Brian Thomas.

The CDR indicates that Mr. Houang was housed in High Observation single cell B-04 on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Officers reported to the duty supervisor that Mr. Houang had several trays of uneaten food in his cell. The supervisor spoke with him and offered him food and drink, but Mr. Houang did not respond. After further efforts to talk to Mr. Houang, he concluded that his interactions were not in keeping with his normal behavior.

The medical staff was contacted. After medical personnel assessed Mr. Houang’s condition, he was sent by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital. The jail was notified on July 28 that Mr. Houang’s condition continued to deteriorate, including that his kidneys were shutting down. By mid-morning on the day of his death, it was noted that Mr. Houang’s condition was not improved with dialysis or other treatments. Under a physician’s care, he was pronounced deceased at 5:10 PM.

The address of Potter County Jail is 13100 NE 29th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79111. The jail’s bed capacity is 576.

Statistics on Medical Neglect in U.S. Jails

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) reports every year that most complaints against the state’s jails are related to healthcare. Texas isn’t the only place where there is overall dissatisfaction with the medical care provided in jails. A nationwide survey revealed that 68% of individuals in local jails suffering from a continual medical problem had not undergone a medical examination since being incarcerated. In addition, 25% of the inmates who suffered a serious injury while incarcerated had not received medical care. These numbers are much higher in regard to local jails compared to state and federal prisons.

Common Complaints Related to Medical Care in U.S. Jails

Ever since 1976, when the Eighth Amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment was extended to include the provision of medical care for prisoners, inmates have been the only U.S. group with a constitutional right to healthcare. Despite that, complaints against the healthcare provided in jails have been a common issue.

The following are among the specific types of medical neglect inmates in U.S. jails complain about:

  • Timely care is not provided.
  • Medical staffing is inadequate.
  • Screening processes for diagnosing inmates’ medical conditions are inadequate.
  • After suffering a serious injury, inmates are not transported to a facility for medical attention.
  • Serious conditions that potentially need invasive treatment, such as cancer, are not diagnosed.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jail staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all detainees under their care. If you or a loved one experienced severe injury due to jail neglect while incarcerated in a Texas jail, reach out to Law Offices of Dean Malone. With broad experience advocating for inmates’ rights, we are here to help. Do you suspect a family member died due to neglect, such as medical neglect, in a Texas jail? We have a team focused on jail death cases. With their proficient assistance, we may also be able to help you.

Don’t wait—contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form for immediate assistance in scheduling a free case review.

 

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smchugh

Paulo Medrano Dies After Booking into Fort Bend County Jail

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Paulo Esteban Medrano was booked into Fort Bend County Jail at 4:40 PM on July 2, 2024. He immediately experienced a medical emergency and was transported to Oak Bend Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased 80 minutes after going through intake. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Eric Fagan filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Medrano on July 30, 2024.

The CDR shows that at the time of intake, Mr. Medrano appeared to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. He also exhibited medical problems and was cleared by jail medics, who checked his vitals. The address of Fort Bend County Jail where Mr. Medrano was incarcerated is 1410 Richmond Pkwy, Richmond, TX 77469.

A Fourth July 2024 Death Occurs at a U.S. Jail

In a scenario that seems similar to the custodial death mentioned above, a 71-year-old detainee in a South Carolina jail died a week after going through intake. On that individual’s fourth day in the jail, he suffered a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital. The hospital staff informed the jail on the man’s sixth day of being in the jail’s custody that he was acutely ill, having gone into cardiac arrest. He was pronounced deceased on July 28, 2024.

It was the third jail death at that detention center in a week. A 25-year-old was pronounced deceased on Monday, July 22, and a 54-year-old died in the jail’s custody the next day. Both were drug-related tragedies, as was the death of a detainee who was found unresponsive in his cell at that same detention center on July 9.

Do Jails Have a Duty to Prevent Inmate Deaths?

Jails have responsibility for the detainees in their charge. Reasonable care must be taken so that jail suicides are prevented when at all possible. Suicides are the leading cause of death in county and municipal jails. This is a well-known fact, and jails must take preventative actions. In the face of grim jail suicide statistics, experts often claim that jail suicides are practically 100% preventable.

When drug deaths occur after detainees have been in jail for some time, it is evidence that dangerous substances are being smuggled into these facilities. Since the introduction of fentanyl, taking illicit drugs has become far more dangerous than ever before. Studies show that almost every illicit substance exchanged in drug deals these days is laced with fentanyl, which is deadly to the extreme. Fentanyl powder can get on a person’s skin and rapidly cause death.

Assistance with Jail Neglect in the Event of a Custodial Death

If you believe a loved one has died in a Texas jail due to neglect, such as inadequate medical care, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone promptly. The sooner an investigation is started, the more effectively we can address the issue. Additionally, if you suffered a life-changing injury due to neglect while incarcerated in a Texas jail, we might be able to assist you.

Schedule a free case evaluation today. Contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Guadalupe County Jail Inmate Margaret Rooney Dies on Day 3

Front of Jail Cell

Margaret Elizabeth Rooney, at age 44, was booked into Guadalupe County Jail on July 11, 2024. She died in the jail’s custody two days later. A custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Rooney was filed by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office on July 30, 2024, and it indicates that Ms. Rooney was charged with an alcohol/drug offense and was housed in multiple-occupancy medical cell 12.

On July 13 at 7:06 AM, when jail staff were making a shift change, Ms. Rooney was discovered unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased by personnel with emergency medical services (EMS) at 7:14 AM the same day.

The address of the Guadalupe County Jail is 2615 N Guadalupe St, Seguin, TX 78155. The jail has a bed capacity of 598.

Deaths by Overdose are the Third Leading Cause of Deaths in U.S. Jails

Statistics released in 2020 show that overdose is the leading cause of death among individuals recently released from prison. Another study revealed that people who were formerly in prison or jail are 40 times more likely than the general population to die from an opioid overdose. And another tragic statistic involves U.S. jails. Overdoses are the third leading cause of deaths among detainees in our nation’s county and municipal jails.

This begs the question: What responsibility do jails have to prevent overdose deaths? Various resources agree on one treatment to administer to a person who is or may be having an opioid overdose. That treatment is the opioid overdose-reversing medication naloxone. It is also known by other names, and Narcan® is among them. Narcan blocks the brain’s opioid receptors, which can reverse an opioid-related overdose.

Many jails keep naloxone handy, and it saves many lives. But, at least in Texas, current requirements for jails do not include specific protocols for opioid overdoses.

The Danger of Overdose Deaths While in Jail and After Leaving Jail

Many U.S. jails provide people known to have a drug problem with Narcan as they are released from jail. As mentioned above, the number of people who die from an overdose after incarceration is alarming. But, oftentimes, more attention should be given to ensuring that drugs are not smuggled into jails. For instance, in December 2023 in a California jail, the staff responded to four suspected fentanyl overdoses among detainees. All four were administered Narcan, and three survived. The fourth person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A Law Firm Committed to Assisting Jail Inmates and Their Families

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are interested in providing legal support in cases of jail neglect, abuse, suicide, and jail medical neglect. Our dedicated team focuses on custodial death cases, supporting families who have lost loved ones in county or municipal jails due to potential neglect. We also advocate for former jail detainees in Texas who have suffered life-altering injuries from abuse or neglect.

Free case reviews are available, and we invite you to contact us by phone, text, or through our online form. If you or a loved one has experienced jail abuse or neglect, contact us today. We are available 24/7.

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smchugh

Angelina County Jail Inmate Michael Stolich Dies in 36 Hours

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Michael Allen Stolich was booked into Angelina County Jail at 11:06 PM on July 21, 2024. Tragically, Mr. Stolich died approximately 36 hours later. He was only 46 years old, and he had been housed in a detox cell. The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Constable Thomas Selman promptly filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Stolich on July 26, 2024.

Mr. Stolich was arrested on an alcohol/drug offense, and the intake officer indicated that he appeared to be intoxicated at the time he entered the jail. The CDR shows that the means of death of Mr. Stolich was a drug overdose, though the results of an autopsy are pending.

The address of Angelina County Jail where Mr. Stolich was incarcerated is 2311 E. Lufkin Ave., Lufkin TX 75901.

Allegedly Intoxicated from Methamphetamine

In the summary of how Mr. Stolich’s death occurred, it is alleged that he was intoxicated by methamphetamine. After the completion of the intake process at Angelina County Jail, Mr. Stolich was placed in a detox cell. For the next 36 hours, he remained in that cell. He was observed fidgeting, often lying down, and also moving around. Mr. Stolich exhibited unusual behavior, such as having hallucinations and “tweaking” the entire time he was in the jail.

On the morning of July 23, 2024, before Mr. Stolich died, a nurse saw him and was able to communicate somewhat coherently. He was under observation every 10 minutes, which is the jail’s protocol for detox cells. At 11:19 AM, an officer discovered that he was lying on his stomach in what appeared to be an odd position. Lifesaving measures began, which included a nurse administering Naloxone (Narcan) to Mr. Stolich. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was also used, but it failed to restore a pulse. A detailed account of the efforts to revive Mr. Stolich includes him being transported by ambulance to a local hospital. There, he was pronounced deceased at 11:45 AM.

What is Meant by “Tweaking”?

Officers wrote about tweaking in the CDR about Mr. Stolich, which implies they are familiar with the term. It basically means that an individual is demonstrating that he or she is experiencing a critical phase in the cycle of stimulants such as methamphetamine or amphetamine. Among the distinct behavioral patterns associated with tweaking are:
• Heightened agitation, restlessness, and exhibiting extreme energy levels.
• Eventually, a person becomes utterly exhausted, despite previous evidence of boundless energy.

If a person who is overdosing on methamphetamine is administered Narcan early enough, it will usually save their life.

Seeking Justice for Deaths Due to Jail Neglect

Incarceration does not strip individuals of their civil rights. If you believe your loved one passed away in a Texas jail due to medical neglect, reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone immediately. As part of our commitment to fight for justice, we have a devoted team focused on cases involving custodial deaths. We also advocate for former detainees who have sustained life-altering injuries while in jail. Contact us any time via phone, text, or through our online form. We are dedicated to inmates’ basic human  rights and respond 24/7.

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smchugh

Burleson County Jail Inmate Carrie Craig Dies

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Carrie Neile Craig was booked into Burleson County Jail on July 1, 2024. Tragically, she died of unknown causes six days later. The custodial death report (CDR) that the Burleson County Sheriff’s Department filed about Ms. Craig on July 17, 2024, indicates that she was housed in tank 121, a multiple-occupancy cell.

On July 7, jail staff entered the tank for the purpose of moving Ms. Craig to another cell. They discovered that she was in an unresponsive state, and they could not locate a pulse. Emergency medical services (EMS) were called, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used in an attempt to revive her. EMS arrived at 9:45 AM, and paramedics advised the jail staff that the inmate was already deceased. Ms. Craig was only 55 years old. The results of an autopsy are pending.

Burleson County Jail has a bed capacity of 96 and is located at 1334 State Highway 21 East, Caldwell, TX, 77836.

A Detainee Dies After an Altercation in a Texas Jail

In April 2024 news, a Tarrant County Commissioner called for an investigation after two inmates at the Tarrant County Jail died within 4 days. In the 3 ½ months preceding these recent custodial deaths, there had been a total of 5 deaths at the jail. One of the detainees died after a 31-year-old inmate was pepper sprayed during a confrontation. All custodial deaths in Texas are investigated by the Texas Rangers.

An Inmate at Tarrant County Jail Dies of Fentanyl Poisoning

Many times, when inmates die in county and local jails, their cause of death is unknown. In April 2024, a detention officer discovered that a 42-year-old detainee who had been incarcerated since December 2023 was unresponsive in his cell. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and the results of an autopsy showed that he died of fentanyl and trazodone poisoning. His death was labeled an accident, and the jail came under scrutiny about how such substances got into the jail. This death occurred three days before the tragic death mentioned above.

3 Tarrant County Inmates Allegedly Die from Dehydration

A May 2024 news article contends that three inmates at Tarrant County Jail died of thirst within a two-year period. A mentally ill woman who was incarcerated in the Austin, Texas, jail and was found unfit to stand trial was one of the three. The medical examiner said that she died of severe hypernatremia or high levels of sodium in the blood, a condition that results from dehydration.

The other two individuals who allegedly “died of thirst” in Tarrant County Jail also suffered from severe mental conditions. Within the article the point is made that, per another article in a leading medical journal, some types of psychosis can directly and severely impair the body’s thirst mechanism.

Are You a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jails are responsible for the well-being of all detainees under their care. If you were an inmate in a Texas jail and suffered severe injuries due to neglect such as medical neglect, reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone. With years of experience advocating for inmates’ rights, we are committed to helping those affected by such neglect. If you are a family member of a deceased inmate whom you suspect died due to jail neglect, we are here to assist you, too. We have a focused team working primarily on jail death cases.

Contact us promptly. We are available 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Sinclair Jones Jr. Dies After 22 Hours in a Beaumont TX Jail

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Sinclair Jones, Jr., was booked into Jefferson County Jail at 2:19 PM on May 30, 2024. Tragically, he died approximately 22 hours later. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Jones on July 17, 2024, which was 17 days past the filing deadline. Mr. Jones was arrested on an alcohol/drug offense, and the jailer in charge of intake noted that he appeared to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs and exhibited medical problems at that time.

The summary of how Mr. Jones’ death occurred is brief. It indicates that Officer Z. Holton was making security rounds and observed him in his infirmary isolation cell 09 on May 31, 2024, though the time was not given. His eyes were open, but he wasn’t blinking. She also noted that he did not appear to be breathing because his chest did not rise and fall. Officer Holton notified medical staff and lifesaving measures began. Mr. Jones was transported to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:19 PM.

Jefferson County Correctional Facility aka Jefferson County Jail’s address is 5030 US-69, Beaumont, TX 77705. The Beaumont jail has a bed capacity of 1,147.

A Jefferson County Detainee on Detox Protocols Dies Within 4 Days

When a 31-year-old female detainee went through intake at Jefferson County Jail in February 2020, she was noted as being in the same condition as Mr. Sinclair, as stated above. A Port Arthur hospital had medically cleared her for jail, and she was placed on detox protocols for a heroin addiction.

The CDR indicates that the inmate was treated for asthma symptoms on her third day. Afterward, she was returned to the holding cell where she was housed. Within about 3 hours she was found unresponsive, and she was declared deceased a short time later. Results of an autopsy showed that chronic narcotism, or habitual use of narcotics, was a contributing factor in causing her death.

Are Jails Required to Provide Withdrawal Treatments to Inmates in Detox?

Withdrawal deaths are generally considered preventable. However, per the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), opioid withdrawal syndrome is a life-threatening condition if not treated appropriately.

It is reasonable to ask questions to determine whether a deceased detainee received the treatment needed when going through detox. In the case of mild opioid withdrawal, it is recommended that a person drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily to replace fluids that are lost through sweat and diarrhea. Vitamin B and C supplements should also be provided.

For moderate to severe opioid withdrawal, several opioid medications are known to be effective. Treatment could include clonidine, methadone, buprenorphine, or codeine phosphate.

Seeking Assistance for Jail Medical Neglect?

If you have faced severe issues or if a loved one suffered death due to jail medical neglect, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. Pretrial detainees have a constitutional right to adequate healthcare. Jail officials can be held accountable for showing deliberate indifference to inmates’ medical needs. Contact us by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Oscar Lopez Dies in Hidalgo County Jail on Day 5

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Oscar Lopez went through intake at Hidalgo County Jail on February 6, 2024. Tragically, he died in the jail’s custody four days later. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Lopez on July 9, 2024, which was 4 months past the filing deadline.

The summary of how Mr. Lopez’s death occurred indicates that he had difficulty breathing on February 9, 2024, and was transported to the South Texas Health System Heart Hospital at approximately 9:34 p.m. The hospital staff reported to the Hidalgo County Sheriff that Mr. Lopez coded three times while in their care before becoming unresponsive at 11:43 p.m. A justice of the peace pronounced him deceased at 12:02 a.m. on February 10, 2024. Mr. Lopez was only 39 years old.

Hidalgo County Jail is also known as the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center. The address of the Hidalgo County Jail is 1900 D Street, McAllen TX 78503. At maximum capacity, the facility can house up to 1,232 detainees.

Are Most Jail Deaths Due to Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Preventable?

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) created a tool to help manage jail withdrawal and prevent unnecessary deaths. It was published in June 2023 and addresses a real problem. One related headline from a February 2017 publication reveals the motivation behind the more recent report. The headline reads, “Go to Jail. Die From Drug Withdrawal. Welcome to the Criminal Justice System.”

Inmates do not lose their fundamental rights because they are incarcerated. Jails are responsible for providing necessary medical, mental, and dental care. Various medical treatments are effective in preventing withdrawal deaths. Jails should be held accountable if their policies and procedures do not include strategies for effectively saving detainees from suffering severely and dying from the effects of withdrawal.

Guidelines for Jails to Manage Inmates in Withdrawal

When an inmate shows signs of drug or alcohol withdrawal, jails can anticipate and manage the severity of withdrawal symptoms and any psychiatric or medical comorbidities. An example of comorbidity is if a person shows evidence of a heart problem in addition to withdrawal symptoms, and the combined effect could be a risk factor for a poor outcome. Medications can be administered per substance-specific clinical orders. Jails are also encouraged to provide a supportive environment with access to hydration, nutrition, and sleep.

The Law Offices of Dean Malone: Your Advocates in Jail Neglect Cases

Do you suspect that a loved one died in jail due to neglect? Or were you previously detained in a Texas county or municipal jail and suffered a life-changing injury from medical neglect or abuse? It’s crucial to have legal assistance with extensive experience in these specific areas of law.

The Law Offices of Dean Malone is dedicated to addressing cases of jail neglect, inmate abuse, and jail deaths. With a longstanding commitment and trustworthy experience, we are here to help. Contact us anytime, day or night, via phone, text, or our online form for immediate assistance.

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smchugh
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