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Category: Custodial Death

Blanco County Jail Violates a Restraint-Related Rule

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

A notice of non-compliance was issued to Blanco County Jail on January 9, 2025, after failing a jail inspection the previous day. In addition, the Johnson City, Texas, jail is currently listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website with other detention centers that violated one or more minimum jail standards. Blanco County Jail was cited for violating one rule, and it is one which governs the use of restraints. TCJS inspectors wrote the following details about their findings:

  • While conducting an inspection at Blanco County Jail, it was discovered in restraint logs that staff exceeded the 15-minute observation requirement.

The address of Blanco County Jail is 105 North Avenue G, Johnson City, Texas 78636. The Blanco County Jail is a high-security county jail with a bed capacity of 56.

Restraint Violations in Jails Endanger Inmates

The rules guiding the use of restraints cover all forms of restraint, from hand cuffs to restraint chairs. Several high-profile custodial deaths in recent years have brought widespread awareness of the potential dangers of restraints. Failing to make observations of inmates in restraints can make the difference between life and death. This is especially true about restraint chairs. Due to custodial deaths and patterns of abuse associated with restraint chairs, they are highly controversial. Many jurisdictions in the U.S. outside of Texas have banned their use.

A Restraint Chair Death

A woman in a Johnson City, Tennessee, jail died after being placed in a restraint chair. She was three times over the legal limit of alcohol when she was strapped into the chair. In accordance with jail policy, she had been classified as a suicide risk. Stringent observation was clearly essential, and the requirement was to observe her every 15 minutes at most.

Ninety minutes after the inmate was placed in the chair, a crisis response worker discovered that she was unconscious. The woman had slipped down in the chair, which caused the restraining straps to tighten around her throat, cutting off her air supply.

She was transported to a local hospital, and she remained there in a comatose state until her death 12 days later. Results of an autopsy showed that brain damage was the cause of death, and it resulted from a failure to get the needed oxygen supply to the brain. Also, placement in the restraint chair was deemed a proximate cause of her death.

Records showed that officers did not physically check her restraints when making 15-minute observations. Instead, they observed the detainee through a small window no more than four times. The last visual check occurred after a 25-minute duration.

Experienced Legal Advocacy for Jail Neglect Cases in Texas

If you or a loved one has experienced neglect in a Texas jail, securing skilled legal representation is essential. The Law Offices of Dean Malone is dedicated to assisting families who have lost loved ones in custody due to potential neglect, abuse, or suicide. We also encourage former inmates who have suffered serious injuries from mistreatment or inadequate care to reach out for legal guidance.

We can be reached 24/7. Contact us today for a free consultation by phone, text, or through our online form.

 

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smchugh

El Paso County Jail Inmate Joe Murvin Dies Suddenly

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Joe Murvin was booked into El Paso County Jail on October 25, 2024. He was found unconscious and not breathing in his single-occupancy cell at 8:27 PM on January 23, 2025. Tragically, lifesaving efforts at the jail and Las Palmas Medical Center were unsuccessful. The emergency department physician pronounced Mr. Murvin deceased at 9:20 PM the same day, which was his 72nd birthday. His cause of death is currently unknown and awaiting the results of an autopsy.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Murvin the day after his death. The CDR indicates that, during intake, Mr. Murvin made suicidal statements. He also exhibited mental health problems and medical problems—all of which are indicators that Mr. Murvin was at a potential risk of a suicide attempt.

The address of El Paso County Detention Facility aka El Paso County Jail is 601 E Overland Ave, El Paso, TX 79901. The El Paso jail system’s inmate capacity in Texas is 2,800. However, the housing capacity is 1,000 at the downtown detention facility where Joe Murvin was housed when he was found non-responsive.

An Inmate at El Paso County Jail Dies of Acute Para -Fluorofentanyl Toxicity

A 49-year-old man was booked into El Paso County Jail on May 5, 2024. He was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell. Eighteen days after his arrival, he, like Joe Murvin, was discovered “unconscious and not breathing.” Same as Mr. Murvin, lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, even after the man was transported to Las Palmas Medical Center. Autopsy results revealed that the man’s cause of death was “acute para-fluorofentanyl toxicity.”

What is Acute Para -Fluorofentanyl Toxicity?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published information about an increase in fentanyl-related deaths involving para-fluorofentanyl (pFF) or metonitazene. pFF is a drug with a high abuse risk, known as a Schedule I substance. In the 1960s, it was first synthesized
for research purposes. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and, alarmingly, para-fluorofentanyl is more potent than fentanyl.

pFF has recently reemerged in the illicit drug market. It has been detected in counterfeit pills and heroin packets. Multiple overdose deaths across the nation have been linked to this dangerous drug. With this deadly drug and others, like fentanyl, jails have a grave responsibility to ensure that jail inmates are protected from contraband being smuggled in.

Get Help with Jail Medical Neglect and Inmate Suicide Cases

If you or a loved one has suffered due to neglect or abuse in a jail setting, it is essential to consult with knowledgeable legal professionals. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we advocate for individuals and families impacted by jail neglect, inmate abuse, and custodial deaths, including those caused by inadequate medical care.

Our experienced team is committed to asserting the rights of inmates and holding correctional facilities accountable. With an ever-deepening understanding of the legal and emotional challenges these cases present, we provide compassionate and effective representation tailored to your needs.

We are here to help 24/7 and offer a free case evaluation. Contact us anytime via phone, text, or our online form to discuss your legal options.

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smchugh

Anthony Villaflor Dies in the Custody of Jefferson County Jail

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Thirty-six-year-old Anthony Scott Villaflor was arrested by officers of the Port Arthur Police Department in Port Arthur, Texas, on October 4, 2024. Days later, he died in the custody of the Jefferson County Correctional Facility in pre-booking status. The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Villaflor was filed by the Port Arthur Police Department on January 10, 2025.

The circumstances of Mr. Villaflor’s arrest indicate that he was suffering from a medical issue. He had been treated in a hospital’s emergency department. Afterward, he refused to leave and began to create a disturbance. Port Arthur police officers were called to assist Mr. Villaflor in leaving the hospital, but he refused.

After many attempts, Mr. Villaflor was taken into police custody and administered medication by a nurse. He was then placed in a patrol car, where the officers became alarmed when Mr. Villaflor stopped yelling. His health status was checked, and the officers transported Mr. Villaflor to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility.

Upon his arrival, the jail staff discovered a faint pulse or no pulse. The staff administered medical assistance, and Mr. Villaflor was returned by ambulance to a local hospital. After being treated, he was moved to a hospital in Galveston, Texas, which is where he was pronounced deceased on October 13, 2024.

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

Jail Incarceration Provides an Opportunity to Address Withdrawal

When a person with a substance use disorder (SUD) is placed in jail, it is a valuable opportunity to identify symptoms of withdrawal and address them. Inmates have a right to receive vital medical treatment. Tragically, however, research shows that between 2000 and 2019, the number of people who died in jail from drug or alcohol intoxication increased by 397%. More statistics follow:

  • The median length of stay in jail before death due to drug or alcohol intoxication was 1 day.
  • In a Pennsylvania county jail, 81% of the detainees needed detoxification treatment (half of those were for opioid use disorders).
  • One study revealed that alcohol was involved in 76% of the jail deaths related to withdrawal, which confirmed longstanding research indicating the lethality of alcohol withdrawal.

If withdrawal symptoms go untreated, the potentially serious health complications that can result include the following:

  • Seizures
  • Heart problems
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting
  • Hallucinations
  • Hypernatremia (elevated blood sodium level)
  • Tremors
  • Death

Suicide is a serious problem in jails, being the leading cause of death among inmates in city and county jail facilities. Stimulant withdrawal exacerbates this problem, being a key factor that contributes to suicide.

Looking for Help with Jail Medical Neglect?

If you or a loved one has endured serious harm or loss of life due to medical neglect in jail, the Law Offices of Dean Malone is here to help. Individuals awaiting trial have a constitutional right to receive proper medical care. Jail officials who demonstrate deliberate indifference to the medical needs of inmates can and should be held accountable.

Reach out to us for a free case review anytime—call, text, or fill out our online form. We’re here 24/7 to support you.

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smchugh

Lubbock County Jail Detainee Lee Bolden Dies on 12/25/24

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On December 21, 2024, 64-year-old Lee Jerome Bolden was discovered with a weak pulse while he was still in the booking process at Lubbock County Jail, aka Lubbock County Detention Center. The intake officer had indicated that Mr. Bolden appeared intoxicated on drugs or alcohol and exhibited medical problems. The deputy who was completing paperwork on his entry had situated his body-worn camera in the window of the pre-booking holding cell to record Mr. Bolden.

It was after the deputy says he checked on the new detainee four to six times that jail medical staff entered the cell. After discovering his weak pulse, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was summoned, and Mr. Bolden was transported by ambulance to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased on Christmas Day 2024. His cause of death is unknown and awaiting autopsy results.

The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Bolden on January 10, 2025. The CDR reveals all the information above and indicates that he died of a pre-existing medical condition.

In the summary of how the death occurred, the CDR also describes the circumstances of Mr. Bolden’s arrest. He was found leaning into the rear cargo area of a vehicle with the rear hatch pulled down on his back. A patrol deputy wasn’t sure whether he was extremely intoxicated or having a medical event. Ultimately, Mr. Bolden was arrested for public intoxication after he had refused several times to allow EMS to take him to the hospital.

The address of the Lubbock County Detention Center is 3502 N Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX 79403. The bed capacity there is just over 1,500.

A Clear Case of Medical Neglect

It is unacceptable for detainees in U.S. jails to be treated cruelly and with complete indifference toward basic needs. Yet, medical neglect and abuse often occur in jails. In recent months, a story was released about the January 2023 custodial death of a 33-year-old man in a Walker County, Alabama, jail. The man was mentally handicapped, and jailers left him naked and without bedding in a concrete cell known to be notoriously cold in winter.

The man had also been ill, yet medical staff members admitted that they failed to provide medical care. One member of the medical staff said he was afraid there would be ramifications if he offered the man care because it was against the perceived prevailing culture in that facility. According to his death certificate, the causes of the detainee’s death were hypothermia and sepsis due to medical neglect.

Seeking Assistance for Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a city or county jail should never mean losing fundamental rights. When inmates in Texas experience mistreatment, such as being denied essential medical care, it’s crucial to hold those responsible accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect neglect contributed to their death? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered life-altering injuries due to abuse or neglect? The Law Offices of Dean Malone may be able to assist. Our dedicated team focuses on cases involving custodial deaths, including jail suicides, and is experienced in addressing the unique challenges of inmate welfare and rights within the correctional system.

Reach out to us anytime for a free case evaluation. Contact us via phone, text, or through our online form—we’re available 24/7.

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smchugh

Falls County Jail Shockingly Fails a Fourth 2024 Inspection

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Falls County Jail is currently listed four separate times on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website, the latest of these 2024 inspections having been conducted on December 17. Non-compliance was found with regard to 14 minimum jail standards. This is reminiscent of the March 4 inspection, which revealed the same number of violations. Falls County Jail was cited for failing to comply with 2 rules of operation after a September 26 inspection. The results of an inspection on October 15 showed a repeat of the 2 violations listed in the previous month.

On 10 occasions, the violations cited on the December notice of non-compliance include this phrase: “This was a deficiency noted during the March 4, 2024, Comprehensive Inspection.” That is disturbing, especially considering that jails are expected to complete corrective action on every violation “on receipt of this notice.” In addition, an 11th violation has a note indicating that it was an area in which Falls County Jail received Technical Assistance during the comprehensive inspection on March 4, 2024.

Falls County Jail is in Marlin, Texas, at 2847 State Highway 6, zip code 76661. The jail has a bed capacity of 107.

Inmates Can Suffer from Medical Neglect When Jails are in Non-Compliance

Can a jail with a record of ongoing non-compliance with minimum jail standards manage to meet the needs of inmates adequately? Problems with understaffing and overcrowding are common, often resulting in non-compliance and jail neglect. One of the potentially disastrous results of jail mismanagement is medical neglect. The following are a few details from stories in U.S. news about instances of medical neglect resulting in custodial deaths:

  • A 45-year-old man became severely emaciated while he was incarcerated in an Alabama correctional facility. He also became completely incapacitated and allegedly suffered excruciating pain from a survivable cancer due to medical neglect. He went home covered in bed sores and died four days after being released.
  • The death of a man who had been incarcerated in a Charleston, South Carolina, jail was ruled a homicide three months after his death. A news release shows that he died of sepsis with septic shock due to gross medical neglect. There were other claims alleged by the family, including that he was subjected to deplorable living conditions and inhumane treatment.

Seeking Justice After a Jail Death Caused by Neglect

Incarceration should never mean a loss of basic constitutional rights. If you suspect your loved one passed away in a U.S. jail because of medical neglect, it’s essential to act swiftly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone without delay. Our skilled team has significant experience with jail suicides and other jail death cases. We strive to hold jails accountable and secure justice for grieving loved ones.

We also support former jail detainees who have experienced life-changing injuries resulting from jail medical neglect or abuse. Contact us today. Call, text, or fill out our online form. We are available 24/7 and remain focused on asserting inmate rights and those of their loved ones.

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smchugh

Tom Green County Jail Inmate Lester Lewis Travioli Dies

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Lester Lewis Travioli went through intake at Tom Green County Jail on May 1, 2024. Mr. Travioli was sweeping the floor in the multiple occupancy cell where he was housed when, at 11:54 PM on December 24, 2024, he suddenly fell on his back and lost consciousness. Two corrections officers were in the immediate area preparing to conduct a head count. They promptly assisted Mr. Travioli in sitting up but realized he wasn’t breathing. Lifesaving measures were quickly initiated; but at 12:39 AM on December 25, 2024, 61-year-old Lester Travioli was pronounced deceased.

The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Travioli on January 7, 2025. The CDR indicates that Mr. Travioli was on several prescription medications. He also had an extensive medical history, including seizures and other diseases. At the time of booking, he was observed to exhibit mental and medical problems.

Tom Green County Jail is at 122 W Harris Ave in San Angelo, Texas 76903. The inmate capacity is 1,001.

Which Inmate at Tom Green County Jail Died Following Failures in Supervision?

In November 2024, Tom Green County Jail was cited for failing to supervise an inmate in the time preceding that person’s death. Specifically, two supervision rounds were not conducted with the required face-to-face observations. It is difficult to know via public records which of two detainees who died in the custody of Tom Green County Jail in October 2024 was associated with the TCJS inspectors’ findings. Details about both custodial deaths follow.

A Suicide in Tom Green County Jail

A 59-year-old woman died on October 20, 2024. She had entered the jail eight days earlier. The CDR’s summary of how her death occurred reveals that at 7:28 PM that day, the woman was discovered hanging from the shower nozzle in the single occupancy cell where she was housed. She had used torn bedding or clothing to fashion a ligature, which was wrapped around her neck and attached to the shower nozzle. She was pronounced deceased at 10:06 PM, though lifesaving measures continued during that entire period.

Suicide is the leading cause of deaths in local jails like the one in San Angelo. All members of any Texas jail staff are required to receive training in suicide prevention. The first month of incarceration is the time when a significant number of suicides occur, and vigilance over new inmates is imperative. Because supervision is the chief deterrent of suicide, the fact that this detainee was alone in a cell should have increased the sense of urgency in keeping watch over her, at least according to minimum jail standards.

A Medical Emergency is Followed by Death in Tom Green County Jail

October 15, 2024, was the second day a 65-year-old man was an inmate in Tom Green County Jail. He was found unresponsive that day and died the next. The circumstances of his arrest involved his having sought further medical assistance for chest pains at Shannon Medical Center and then failing to leave the hospital premises. He was returned to that same medical center before being declared deceased on October 16.

Because the inmate’s arrest involved his alarm over chest pains, a sensitivity to his health was called for. In cases like this, a lack in supervision could potentially make the difference between life and death.

Seeking Justice for a Death Caused by Jail Negligence?

Being incarcerated does not strip a person of their fundamental civil rights. If you believe that medical neglect in a Texas city or county jail led to your loved one’s death, it is vital to take swift action. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone today. Our knowledgeable team routinely handles custodial death cases, including jail suicides, working to hold jails accountable and seeking justice for inmates and their families.

We also advocate for former inmates who have suffered serious injuries due to abuse or neglect while in custody. Our team is available 24/7 to provide assistance. Reach out to us by phone, text, or through our online form. We are deeply committed to asserting the rights of inmates and their families.

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smchugh

Galveston County Jail is Cited After an Inmate’s Suicide

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3d interior Jail

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

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

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

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

A Custodial Suicide May Have Instigated the Recent Galveston Jail Inspection

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

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

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

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

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smchugh

TCJS Cites Wilson County Jail for Another Standards Violation

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

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

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

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

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

An Inmate of Wilson County Jail Died of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

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

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

What is Ethanolism and What are the Signs and Symptoms?

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

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

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

Seeking Help for Jail Negligence Cases?

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

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

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smchugh

Harris County Jail Fails a Third 2024 Inspection

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

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

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

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

Contraband in Jails is a Widespread Problem

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

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

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

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

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

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

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

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smchugh

Bowie County Jail Inmate Dejuan Fulcher Possibly Died of Sepsis

Front of Jail Cell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have You Experienced Jail Neglect?

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

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

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

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smchugh
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