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Category: Custodial Death

Jason Barr Dies on Day 9 in Smith County Jail

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Forty-four-year-old Jason Evan Barr was booked into Smith County Jail on November 4, 2024. Tragically, Mr. Barr died on November 12, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Barr was filed by the Smith County Sheriff’s Department a week later. The CDR reveals very little about what may have been the cause of Mr. Barr’s death. Results of an autopsy are awaited, but it is believed that he died of natural causes due to a pre-existing medical condition.

The summary of how Mr. Barr’s death occurred indicates that at 12:59 PM on the day of his death, he was already in the med dorm when he was discovered nonresponsive. Lifesaving measures in the multiple-occupancy cell included the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and Mr. Barr was transported by ambulance to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Mr. Barr lost his pulse at the hospital, and he was pronounced deceased at 1:44 PM.

Smith County Jail is at 104 S. Spring St, Tyler, TX 75702. The inmate capacity is 1,065.

A Smith County Jail Inmate Dies of Drug Intoxication

On June 28, 2024, a 32-year-old woman died after four days of incarceration at Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas. The CDR about her tragic death indicates that it may have been a “withdrawal death.” Opioids and alcohol are among the drugs with potentially fatal withdrawal when developing symptoms aren’t treated.

A report about managing substance withdrawal in jails was prepared by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The report shows several instances in which jail inmates in withdrawal lacked appropriate treatment, resulting in their deaths. The report showed that, in one instance, an inmate died of a severe electrolyte imbalance caused by opiate withdrawal while in a jail’s custody, and the jail was held accountable. Details on other cases follow:

  • In a county jail in Utah, a woman who exhibited profound physical distress for days pled for medical attention, but it was denied. She died on the fourth day, and the jail was found to have acted upon the unacceptable practice of ignoring inmates undergoing drug withdrawal.
  • In a Georgia county jail, a woman died 2.5 days after going through intake. She had exhibited symptoms consistent with acute benzodiazepine withdrawal, but no medical treatment was provided. She was also denied prescribed medications, including oxycodone.

Seeking Justice for a Death Resulting from Jail Negligence?

Incarceration does not erase an individual’s fundamental civil rights. If you believe your loved one passed away in a county jail in Texas due to medical neglect, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone without delay. Our experienced team focuses on cases involving custodial deaths, holding jails accountable, and fighting for justice on behalf of inmates and their grieving families.

We also represent former inmates who suffer from severe and life-altering injuries caused by abuse or jail neglect during their incarceration. Contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Bexar County Jail Fails Another Special Jail Inspection

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After a custodial death, inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted a special inspection at Bexar County Jail. Subsequently, a notice of non-compliance was sent to the jail on November 19, 2024, and the jail is now listed on the TCJS website as non-compliant. Bexar County Jail failed to comply with two minimum jail standards. The inspectors’ notes mention that a now-deceased inmate was affected by the violations, as follows:

  • After a custodial death, documentation was provided. A review of the information revealed that the detainee was held in a holding cell for more than 48 hours.
  • Documentation related to medical instructions was reviewed after a custodial death. The documentation revealed that the inmate was not provided the medication as prescribed.

Bexar County Jail’s address is 200 N. Comal in San Antonio, Texas 78207. The jail has an inmate capacity of 5,075.

The San Antonio Jail Faces Enhanced Enforcement After a Bexar County Inmate’s Death

An investigation into the November 6, 2024, death of a 50-year-old inmate at Bexar County Jail uncovered disturbing information. After an August 31 arrest, the detainee went through detoxing conditions, which exacerbated a medical episode on the day before his death. The jail inspection reports specify that the inmate was not provided with his medication on September 3, 4, and 5.

After violations were discovered following an October 15 and November 18 inspection, TCJS announced that Bexar County will now face enhanced enforcement. TCJS discovered issues related to the intake process and medical services after the above-mentioned death.

Since then, the Bexar County Jail Deputy Chief of Detention has outlined a plan of action to rectify the violations of minimum jail standards. State-of-the-art radar technology will be installed in single-person cells in the booking area and other select areas of the infirmary at the jail. The potentially lifesaving technology can detect an individual’s respiration, heart rate, motion, and vacancy or presence in the cell without the detainee having to wear a device. Staff will be alerted when there is a change in the person’s vitals.

Seeking Help with Jail Abuse or Medical Neglect?

Being detained in a local Texas jail doesn’t mean losing your basic rights. When inmates in Texas jails experience mistreatment, such as jail abuse or medical neglect, those responsible must be held accountable.

Did you lose a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect that denial of medical care played a role in their death? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered significant injuries because of abuse or negligence? We may be able to assist. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on cases involving custodial deaths. Navigating the complexities of the correctional system, we bring extensive experience and a commitment to advocating for inmate justice.

Reach out to us anytime to schedule a free case review. You can contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Tom Green County Jail Fails a Minimum Standard in Supervision

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Tom Green County Jail in San Angelo, Texas, is currently listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website as one of the counties found to be in non-compliance with minimum jail standards in Texas. A notice of non-compliance was issued to the San Angelo jail on November 18, 2024. It is the result of a special jail inspection that was scheduled after two custodial deaths occurred in October 2024 within five days of each other.

On October 16, a 65-year-old male died two days after being booked into Tom Green County Jail, and his cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest, though autopsy results are awaited. Then a 59-year-old female died in the jail as a result of suicide on October 20, which was her ninth day of incarceration.

TCJS inspectors cited Tom Green County Jail for failing to provide supervision as required. The following is information from the inspectors’ note.

  • After a custodial death, video documentation was provided. The video revealed that observation rounds were conducted in the required time frame. However, two of the observation rounds were not conducted face-to-face as mandated.

The address of Tom Green County Jail is 4382 N. US Hwy 87, San Angelo TX 76905. The jail has a bed capacity of 1,001.

How Important is Inmate Supervision?

History has demonstrated that when jails supervise inmates as mandated, there are benefits, including the following:

  • Potentially suicidal detainees are less likely to commit suicide;
  • Inmate-on-inmate violence is reduced;
  • Disruptive behaviors and general chaos are prevented;
  • Escape plans are more likely to be discouraged;
  • Correctional officers are more likely to be protected from possible assaults by inmates;
  • Inmate behavior is easier to manage effectively; and
  • Effective communication is more likely to occur between staff and detainees.

Can Inadequate Inmate Supervision or Staffing Shortages Result in Death?

Investigations into custodial deaths in local jails often reveal that there were failures in supervision, such as missed face-to-face observations and long gaps between inmate checks. At-risk inmates are supposed to be checked on every 15 minutes or every 30 minutes at most. Supervision of the general population is just as important, though checks should occur at least every 60 minutes.

Staffing shortages are common in Texas jails, though death is among the potential outcomes. These staff shortages can result in missteps such as failing to identify that individuals are potential suicide risks. Other potential results include inadequate emergency response and mental health care. The potential for detainees to die of drug overdoses increases, as well.

Looking for Help with Jail Abuse or Medical Neglect?

Detainees in a county or municipal jail do not lose their fundamental rights. If inmates are denied medical treatment or are treated abusively, those responsible must be held accountable.

Has a family member died in a Texas jail, and do you suspect that jail neglect was a contributing factor? Or were you previously incarcerated and jail negligence has resulted in life-altering injuries? If so, the Law Offices of Dean Malone is here to help. We focus on jail death cases and provide committed legal representation backed by years of experience.

We’re available 24/7 to assist you. Contact us today by phone, text, or through our online form for a case consultation at no cost to you.

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smchugh

Marcus Fontenette Dies in Bexar County Jail Within 5 Hours

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Marcus Fontenette was booked into Bexar County Jail in San Antonio, Texas, on November 12, 2024, at 8:24 PM. Only 46 years old, Mr. Fontenette died before another 5 hours had passed. His cause of death is unknown, though the custodial death report (CDR) filed by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office indicates that a medical condition was not involved, but rather his “cause of death was accidental injury, intoxication, suicide, or homicide.” It was noted in the CDR that he exhibited mental health problems. “Unknown” is the answer to the question of whether he appeared to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.

At 12:01 AM on November 13, Mr. Fontenette was pronounced deceased in a holding cell of the San Antonio jail located at 200 N. Comal 78252. The current inmate capacity of Bexar County Jail is approximately 4,563.

Forced Withdrawal from Alcohol and Drugs in Jail Can Be Fatal

It is not unusual for an inmate in a county or municipal jail to die within hours or days after their arrival. Medical emergencies exacerbated by detoxing conditions are among the leading causes of death in these circumstances. Unfortunately, medical examiners determine causes of death, and “withdrawal deaths” aren’t always identified as such. The death of a 31-year-old woman in Bexar County Jail in September 2024 was identified as a drug-related fatality in a news report, though autopsy reports were awaited.

Jails that fail to provide needed treatment in a medical emergency can be held responsible for jail medical neglect. This includes failing to provide proper care when a detainee is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

A 42-Year-Old Woman Dies of Apparent Suicide in a County Jail

In news this month out of California, a 41-year-old woman was booked into a county jail on a Tuesday. She was discovered nonresponsive less than 24 hours later with a ligature around her neck. She was pronounced deceased after about 40 minutes of lifesaving measures.

Oftentimes, jail inspection reports that follow jail deaths here in Texas reveal that the deceased had not been supervised as mandated in minimum jail standards. This is the case in connection with custodial suicides and deaths resulting from various medical emergencies.

It is well-recognized that suicide is the leading cause of death in local jails. Studies have shown that the timing of these deaths have a high level of predictability. For example, studies have shown that the first 24 hours is when up to 24% of all jail suicides occur. This would suggest that there is no excuse for failing to provide appropriate supervision to new inmates.

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

If you or a family member has suffered due to jail negligence, it’s important to seek experienced legal guidance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to assisting those who have lost loved ones in jails as a result of neglect, including jail medical neglect in Texas. We also support former inmates who have endured serious challenges due to abuse or neglect while incarcerated in a local jail.

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

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smchugh

Shelby County Jail Detainee Jose Goevava Dies by Suicide

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Jose Goevava was booked into Shelby County Jail on October 5, 2024, at 8:20 PM. Tragically, he was pronounced deceased 90 minutes later. The 24-year-old used his jail-issued jumper to commit suicide. The custodial death report (CDR) prepared by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department about Mr. Goevava indicates that he was discovered hanging from a partitioned area. He allegedly made no suicidal statements during intake, nor did he exhibit mental health problems.

In January 2024, another Shelby County Jail inmate died, and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) followed up with a jail inspection, which is standard procedure. After the February 26 special jail inspection, TCJS sent Shelby County Jail a notice of non-compliance. The following is information from the inspector’s note about the violation:

  • The documentation and video received after a custodial death was reviewed, and it revealed that there had been a breach in the supervision of the deceased. Although jailers made observation rounds within the timeframe mandated by minimum jail standards, the jailer failed to view the inmate face-to-face as required.

The address of Shelby County Jail is 100 Hurst Street, Center, Texas 75935. The bed capacity of the jail is 66.

An In-Depth Report Concludes that Half of Jail Deaths in 2016 Were Preventable

More than 1,000 individuals died in local U.S. jails in 2016 alone. A report found that “at least half of these deaths are preventable.” History continues to show that local jails are unable to provide inmates with effective medical care and mental health treatment. An investigative study found that substandard healthcare provided by a third-party health service provider resulted in at least 70 preventable deaths in local jails between 2014 and 2018.

Suicide Causes Most Local Jail Deaths Yet is Often Preventable

Even with an awareness that suicide causes more deaths in U.S. jails than anything else and even though jails are required to train jail staff in suicide prevention, suicide is the cause of most jail deaths every year. The rate of jail suicide is much higher than it is in state prisons or among the U.S. population in general.

Jail neglect can and often does contribute to custodial suicides. When jail abuse or neglect is a contributing factor in preventable detainee suicides, jails can and should be held accountable.

Assistance for Jail Medical Neglect

If you suspect that a loved one died due to neglect or abuse while in the custody of a Texas jail, securing knowledgeable legal representation is essential. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to asserting the rights of detainees and their families. We have a team that focuses specifically on cases involving jail deaths. With extensive experience in this field, we are here to help.

If, while previously incarcerated in a Texas jail, you suffered abuse, neglect, or inadequate medical care and are now facing life-changing injuries, we encourage you to reach out. Contact us any time—day or night—for a free case evaluation. You can reach us by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Terri Sandefur is the 2nd to Die in Tom Green County Jail Within a Week

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

On October 12, 2024, at age 59, Terri Yvette Sandefur went through intake at Tom Green County Jail. Tragically, Ms. Sandefur died a week later.
The custodial death report (CDR) filed on November 13, 2024, by the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department reveals that Ms. Sandefur died by suicide on October 20, 2024. Another inmate of Tom Green County Jail died of a medical condition five days earlier.

Year after year, suicide is the leading cause of inmate deaths in county and municipal jails. Mandatory special training for all jail staff is aimed at suicide prevention. Intake personnel are required to receive extra training in order to assess whether detainees show signs of being at risk for suicide. During Ms. Sandefur’s booking process, the intake officer noticed that she exhibited mental health problems, which is one of the indicators of potential suicide. Ms. Sandefur allegedly did not make suicidal statements, however.

Tom Green County Jail is at 4382 N US Hwy 277, San Angelo, TX 76905, and the inmate capacity is 1,001.

Statistics Reveal Trends of Inmate Suicides in Local Jails

A report on suicides in local jails as well as state and federal correctional facilities was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2021. The results raise concerns and should put all jails and prisons on high alert. Suicides have recently increased substantially in jails. Sadly, the figures mirror a nationwide trend, with suicide rates since 2019 increasing by more than 30% in 25 states. Suicide is now a leading cause of death in the U.S., in addition to continuing to be the leading cause of death in local jails.

The following are among the findings about suicides in local U.S. jails:

  • From 2001 to 2019, suicides accounted for 24% to 35% of deaths among local jail detainees (compared to 5% to 8% of all deaths in state and federal prison).
  • A total of 355 local jail inmates died by suicide in 2019, which made up 50% of the total number of suicides in correctional facilities.
  • Males accounted for 90% of the jail suicides from 2000 to 2019. During this period, female inmate suicides rose by almost 65%
  • Inmates with no convictions made up almost 77% of those who died by suicide in county and municipal U.S. jails from 2000 to 2019.

Pursuing Justice for a Death Caused by Jail Neglect

Being incarcerated does not mean losing fundamental civil rights. If you suspect your loved one died in a U.S. jail due to medical neglect, it’s vital to take immediate action. Reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone today. Our experienced team works exclusively on cases involving custodial deaths in the interest of jail accountability and justice for affected families.

We also advocate for former inmates who have endured life-altering injuries as a result of neglect or abuse while incarcerated. Contact us 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form. We are here to provide support and remain dedicated to asserting inmates’ rights.

 

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smchugh

Tom Green County Jail Inmate Manuel Garza Jr. Dies

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Sixty-five-year-old Manuel Morin Garza, Jr. was booked into Tom Green County Jail on October 14, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) filed by the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department on November 13, 2024, shows that Mr. Garza only lived two more days after his arrival. The CDR indicates that Mr. Garza died as a result of cardiac arrest after being transported to Shannon Medical Center. It also shows that the intake officer indicated that Mr. Garza exhibited mental health problems and medical problems. His cause of death is pending toxicology results.

The summary of how Mr. Garza’s death occurred reveals a unique situation. Officers with the San Angelo Police Department arrested him for criminal trespass after he refused to leave Shannon Medical Center, where he had been seeking medical attention. Later, he was sent back by the jail to his place of arrest and died there on October 16, 2024.

Tom Green County Jail is at 4382 N US Hwy 277, San Angelo, TX 76905, and the inmate capacity is 1,001.

Detainees in Local Jails Die Due to Medical Neglect

A withdrawal death allegedly occurred in a Minnesota county jail in 2022, and facts came forward earlier this year. The 41-year-old man told police that he had swallowed a bag of drugs. Although they initially took him to the emergency department of a hospital, he was released. Back at the jail, the man complained of new and worsening symptoms for three days.

He became very ill and began vomiting. He barely ate and was declining meals. A nurse checked on him, and he crawled to her because he said his stomach hurt too much to stand. He later collapsed, falling face-first to the floor. He begged to be taken to a hospital, but the nurse refused to send him.

He died on his third day in the jail, and an autopsy revealed that the inmate died from infection, peritonitis, because his small intestine had a small hole—a duodenal perforation.

A 22-year-old detainee died in a Colorado county jail after he was repeatedly denied medical care over the course of a month. The conditions he died from were all easily treatable conditions, including sepsis and endocarditis. This tragic custodial death also occurred in 2022.

In August 2022, a man died after four days in a Virginia county jail because he was denied the lifesaving medication he required due to a lifelong condition. The man’s family begged the jail to provide him with the medicine without delay. Two days of denial of the medication was the ultimate cause of his death.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jails are responsible for ensuring the well-being of every person in their custody. If you were incarcerated in a Texas jail and sustained life-changing injuries due to neglect, such as inadequate medical care, reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone. With extensive experience asserting inmates’ rights, we are here to help.

If you have lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe their death resulted from neglect, including medical neglect, we encourage you to contact us. Our dedicated team concentrates on jail death cases and is committed to seeking justice for those affected.

Don’t wait to take action. We are available around the clock via phone, text, and our online form. Contact us today for support.

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smchugh

Bryan Jenkins Dies After 11 Hours in Johnson County Jail

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Forty-seven-year-old Bryan Joseph Jenkins was booked into the Johnson County jail at 5:30 PM on October 29, 2024. He was placed in a multiple-occupancy holding cell and died less than 11 hours later. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department on October 31, 2024. The CDR reveals that Mr. Jenkins appeared to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs during intake. His cause of death is unknown. In answer to the question, “If death was an accident, homicide, or suicide, who caused the death?,” jail staff answered, “Unknown whether decedent sustained a fatal injury.”

This seems to be a clear indication that Mr. Jenkins may have been a victim of violence. Even more alarming is the fact that several custodial deaths in other Texas jails had similar scenarios. In essence, an inmate died in each case and it is possible that foul play was involved. After an August 2024 death in a Texas jail, enough evidence was found to charge several of the deceased’s cellmates with homicide in connection with his death.

The Johnson County Jail is at 1800 Ridgemar Drive in Cleburne, TX 76031. The Cleburne jail has a 1,100-bed capacity.

Johnson County Jail Has a History of Lapses in Inmate Supervision

The importance of the supervision of inmates cannot be overstated. The chief issue is that detainees in Texas lack the protection they need during incarceration when jails don’t provide supervision according to minimum jail standards. It is always a cause for concern when lapses in supervision are discovered during jail inspections.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) inspects every Texas jail annually, and there are often special jail inspections. A special jail inspection may be conducted as a result of a complaint or, in a worst-case scenario, following a custodial death. After a June 2018 jail inspection, Johnson County Jail was found to have violated two jail standards involving lapses in inmate supervision. TCJS inspectors’ notes follow:

  • It was discovered during the review of face-to-face observation documents that Johnson County Jail had falsified jail checks by recording the observation times 15 minutes prior to the actual time the observation occurred.
  • The face-to-face observation records where inmates are known to be mentally ill, potentially suicidal, or assaultive were scrutinized, and they revealed that the facility exceeded the 30-minute observations by 1 minute to 90 minutes.

A couple of months before a 2021 jail inspection, an inmate in Johnson County Jail who was known to be suicidal succeeded in taking his own life. The jail was cited for allowing inmates to be supervised by 7 individuals who did not have the required Temporary Jailer’s License.

Legal Help for Jail Neglect, Abuse, or Medical Neglect

The Law Offices of Dean Malone can provide valuable assistance if you or a loved one has been affected by medical neglect or abuse in a Texas jail, including situations involving the death of an inmate. We have extensive experience in cases related to custodial deaths and serious injuries resulting from neglect or inadequate medical care. By reaching out to us, you can receive a free case evaluation to explore your legal options. With our 24/7 availability, you can contact us anytime through phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Inmate Eliar Otero Dies in Bexar County Jail on 10/10/24

Front of Jail Cell

Eliar Otero lived only three days after being booked into Bexar County Jail on October 7, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Otero was filed on October 30, 2024, by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Javier Salazar is the head of jail operations in the San Antonio jail. Her cause of death is listed as unknown and awaiting autopsy results. The summary about how Ms. Otero’s death occurred is merely two lines long, as follows:

Unit Officer was alerted by the cellmate of Inmate Otero and stated she does not think her cellmate is breathing. Officer observed Inmate Otero unresponsive laying on her bunk and initiated a code 1 Blue.

Ms. Otero’s death occurred in a multiple-occupancy cell in the booking center of Bexar County Jail. She was only 48 years old. There are a couple of clues indicating what may have occurred. To the question whether the death was a pre-existing medical condition or developed a condition after admission, the response is:

Not Applicable: Cause of death was accidental injury, intoxication, suicide, or homicide.

As to who caused the death, the CDR indicates:

Unknown person(s) caused the injury.

Bexar County Jail’s address is 200 N. Comal, San Antonio, TX 78207. The jail has a 5,200-bed capacity.

Concern Mounts Over Inmate Deaths in Bexar County Jail

Based on our recent research, Ms. Otero is at least the 14th individual to die in the custody of Bexar County Jail this year. A news report in August indicated that 12 inmates died in Bexar County Jail in 2023. Another pointed out the fact that going to jail should not be a death sentence.

It appears that Ms. Otero’s death may have been caused by another inmate. This is reminiscent of a recent custodial homicide that also occurred inside Bexar County Jail. On August 13, 2024, a 62-year-old inmate died and several of his fellow inmates have been charged with his death.

Do Inmates Have the Right to Protection in Jail?

Jails are legally obligated to protect detainees from physical harm and sexual assault. Inmates also have the right to the following:

  • Humane conditions and facilities
  • Freedom from racial segregation
  • Medical care and attention
  • Express complaints about conditions in the jail
  • Appropriate mental health care

When a jail fails to provide protection or other basic rights for an inmate, the detainee or their family may have a right to financial compensation. Because of the complexities involved with these types of cases, it is important to pursue experienced legal representation.

The Law Offices of Dean Malone is Here to Help with Jail Deaths Due to Neglect

If you suspect that a loved one’s death in a Texas jail was due to neglect or abuse, seeking experienced legal assistance is essential. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are dedicated to asserting the rights of inmates and their families, especially in cases involving jail-related deaths. Our skilled team has extensive experience navigating these challenging cases. If you’re a former Texas jail inmate who suffered abuse, neglect, or insufficient medical care resulting in severe injuries, we encourage you to reach out for a free case review. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

James Willard Dies in Polk County Jail on 10/19/24

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Sixty-year-old James Willard was booked into Polk County Jail in Livingston, Texas, on September 7, 2024. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office filed the custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Willard on October 25, 2024. His cause of death is unknown and awaiting the results of an autopsy. The address of Polk County Jail is 1733 N Washington Ave., Livingston, TX 77351.

The CDR suggests that Mr. Willard did not receive medical attention up to the point when he was discovered unresponsive in the multiple-occupancy cell where he was housed. On October 18, 2024, at 11:47 PM, Mr. Willard appeared to be having a seizure. Jail medical staff assessed his condition, and he was then placed in a wheelchair and escorted to the jail’s booking area.

Upon arrival in the intake area, jail personnel observed that Mr. Willard was not breathing. Lifesaving measures began immediately and included the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were dispatched to the jail. Upon arrival, they assumed lifesaving measures. At 12:31 AM on October 19, Dr. Alicia Hart of St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Hospital of Livingston, Texas, pronounced Willard deceased.

What Medical Conditions are Associated with Seizures Among Jail Inmates?

There are many potential causes for detainees in Texas jails to experience a seizure. It is conceivable that a jail may fail to provide the needed medical care for a seizure. In such instances, medical neglect may contribute to a custodial death, for which jails can be held accountable. The following are among the common causes of seizures in jails:

  • Dehydration can trigger a seizure. Sadly, it is not unusual for jail deaths to be associated with water.
  • Illness or infection often causes a detainee to experience a seizure.
  • Drug or alcohol abuse can cause an individual to experience a seizure for the first time, and it could lead to the development of epilepsy.
  • Abnormal blood sugar levels, whether very high or low, can trigger a seizure. Many detainees with diabetes have been denied their necessary insulin, resulting in seizures and, tragically, death.
  • Flickering or flashing lights can also initiate a seizure.
  • Sleep deprivation can result in a seizure. A seizure due to sleep deprivation can be the result of not sleeping well or not getting enough sleep.
  • Stress can cause a seizure.
  • Missed medication is another trigger for a seizure. Texas jails are often cited for failing to administer medications as directed in minimum jail standards.

Reach Out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Support in Jail Medical Neglect Cases

If you or a family member has been impacted by jail neglect, it’s important to get experienced legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our dedicated team is committed to assisting families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails, where neglect or denial of medical care may have played a role. We also invite former Texas jail inmates who are struggling with serious consequences of jail neglect or abuse to connect with us.

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

author avatar
smchugh
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