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Category: Custodial Death

Matthew Plank Dies in Lubbock County Jail on 11/27/24

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Matthew Plank was booked into Lubbock County Jail on November 29, 2022. Tragically, he died at age 46 almost exactly two years later on November 27, 2024. The custodial death report (CDR) filed by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department on December 5, 2024, indicates that he died of unknown causes at the jail on 3502 N Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX 79403. The jail’s inmate capacity is 1,465.

During the intake process, the CDR shows that Mr. Plank made suicidal statements, exhibited mental and medical health problems, and appeared to be intoxicated on alcohol or drugs. The only potential indication of why Mr. Plank died is in the answer to the question of whether an accident, homicide, or suicide was the means of death. The answer is “not applicable, cause of death was illness/natural cause,” though it also shows that he did not receive medical treatment for the condition that caused his death. His specific type of custody is shown as “jail – day room/recreation area.”

The summary of Mr. Plank’s death begins with the officer assigned to the area finding him unresponsive in a shower on the mezzanine in pod 3E on November 27, 2024. Lifesaving measures by jail medical staff, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, and University Medical Center staff were unsuccessful. Mr. Plank was pronounced deceased at 4:53 PM that day.

Reports of Questionable Deaths are Filed Late by Lubbock County Jail

Under Ken Paxton, attorney General of Texas, an online, ongoing record of custodial death reports is available. It shows that at least twice since November 2023, two custodial deaths at Lubbock County Jail were filed approximately a year or more later than the mandatory 30-day deadline. In each instance, the cause of death justifiably raises questions. Details about both follow.

  • A 37-year-old woman died in Lubbock County Jail on June 8, 2022, but the CDR about her was not filed until November 1, 2023. She had been booked into the jail on October 31, 2019, and was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell. The CDR indicates that the woman died of the toxic effects of fentanyl. This obviously suggests that illicit drugs had been smuggled into the jail, resulting in this tragic death.
  • A 46-year-old man died on October 27, 2023, in Lubbock County Jail. He had been booked into the jail just 17 days earlier. His CDR wasn’t filed until September 24, 2024. The CDR shows the medical cause of death was “acute hypoxemic respiratory failure / sepsis.” Anytime sepsis is a contributing cause of a death, particularly in a jail, it suggests possible medical neglect. That’s because sepsis can be prevented with simple antibiotics.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jail staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in their custody. If you were held in a Texas jail and suffered serious, life-changing injuries due to neglect, including inadequate medical care, reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone. With years of experience asserting the rights of inmates, we are here to help.

If you have lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe neglect, such as medical neglect, played a role in their death, we may be able to assist. Our dedicated team focuses on handling cases involving jail deaths.

Contact us anytime—we are available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Texas Jails Receive New Rules for Prioritizing Inmate Complaints

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The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent a technical assistance memorandum regarding the prioritization of complaints to all Texas sheriffs and jail administrators on December 3, 2024. Unfortunately, tragedies often occur in U.S. jails when there is a lack of urgency in addressing serious complaints. This statement is backed by many custodial deaths linked to, for instance, laxity in providing appropriate inmate supervision. The non-compliance of Texas jails in providing appropriate supervision is often revealed as a result of special jail inspections scheduled in direct response to a custodial death.

The memo from TCJS Executive Director Brandon Wood provides details regarding complaints and how to prioritize them based on their level of severity. The highest level of priority is given to Level I complaints, though responses for Level I and Level II complaints are due within 5 business days. Jails have 10 business days to make a response to Level III complaints. More details of each type of complaint follow:

  • Personal injury, health hazards, and life safety are the types of grievances included in Level I complaints. Complaint investigators are instructed to notify the appropriate county as soon as possible regarding level I complaints. The county must acknowledge receipt of the complaint. The emergent part of the complaint is first addressed. Then a thorough and comprehensive investigation must be completed along with a response from the county within 5 business days.
  • Level II complaints will be considered “urgent.” Level II complaints include those related to overcrowding, classification, or supervision.
  • Level III complaints include any and all complaints not listed in levels I and II.

How Can Classification Errors Cause Potential Harm?

The most serious events that occur in Texas jails are custodial deaths. However, jail suicides deserve the most consideration since they are the leading cause of death not only in Texas jails but in city and county jails across the entire U.S. “Urgent” level II complaints cover two areas that are closely associated with custodial suicides, those being classification and supervision. Classification is seriously connected to possible danger to the general public, as well, considering the early release of detainees. Supervision is, as well, though that area is more obvious since it is an element in the prevention of jail escapes.

In Texas, the members of the jail staff responsible for the booking process are required to receive additional training. This training includes additional instructions on properly classifying inmates in the interest of suicide prevention and inmate safety. They learn how to interpret behaviors and statements that suggest a person could be suicidal. Inmates who are classified as potentially suicidal receive more intense supervision, which is the best deterrent for inmates in danger of self-harm.

The classification of inmates in Bexar County Jail came under scrutiny in 2019 after numerous inmates were mistakenly released. Per a news article, the sheriff said the archives had been checked and there were 15 mistaken or erroneous releases at the jail from January through mid-October of that year.

Support is Available for Jail Neglect Victims

The Law Offices of Dean Malone have extensive experience asserting the rights of county jail inmates and their loved ones. Do you suspect that jail neglect contributed to the loss of a family member in a Texas jail? If so, we encourage you to contact us. We also assist individuals who suffered lifechanging harm resulting from neglect or abuse after they are released from a county jail.

Reach out to us today by phone, text, or through our online form for a free case review.

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smchugh

Randall County Jail Inmate Bryan Fields is Found Deceased

3d interior Jail
3d interior Jail

Bryan Austin Fields had his 29th birthday a month before he was booked into Randall County Jail on March 15, 2023. Tragically, he was discovered deceased in his single-occupancy cell on October 16, 2024. The cause of his death is unknown and awaiting autopsy results. Although custodial death reports (CDRs) are due to be filed within 30 days after a detainee’s death, the CDR about Mr. Fields wasn’t filed until December 2, 2024.

The CDR states that the deceased developed a medical condition that caused his death after being admitted into the jail, though nothing more specific about the illness or possible treatment he received is found in the report. However, the report does reveal that he exhibited mental health problems during the booking process. The summary of how Mr. Fields’ death occurred states that on August 8, 2024, a writ of mental commitment was issued. He was awaiting transfer to the state hospital.

After the body of the deceased was found at 4:45 AM on October 16, 2024, efforts were made to resuscitate him. Those efforts, having failed, stopped at 5:07 AM. He was only 30 years old when he was pronounced deceased.

The address of Randall County Jail is 9100 Georgia St, Amarillo TX 79118. The jail’s inmate capacity is 310.

Mental Health Challenges in Texas Jails

Approximately 34% of the inmate population in Texas jails have mental health disorders. An investigative report released in 2023 revealed that–in the eight-county greater Houston, Texas, area alone–at least 52 people with mental disorders died in local jails in the past decade.

Details follow about two of the custodial suicides mentioned in the report:

  • A 26-year-old was pulled off of a bridge railing by police officers. Fearing he would hurt himself, the officers arrested the man for public intoxication. He was provided with a blanket in the Kemah City Jail. Tragically, he was discovered deceased 40 minutes later, having used the blanket to hang himself. History shows that about 24% of jail suicides occur within the first 24 hours.
  • A 22-year-old was housed in the mental health cell block in Fort Bend County Jail. Tragically, the young man died after he was discovered hanging from the bars of his cell door. He had been at the jail from December 2021 through February 2022.

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

If you or a loved one has suffered due to neglect in a Texas jail, it’s important to seek knowledgeable legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our dedicated team is committed to helping families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails potentially as a result of neglect or abuse resulting in suicide. We also encourage former jail inmates suffering from significant injuries caused by jail neglect or abuse to reach out to us for support.

Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available around the clock by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Richard Perez Dies of Unknown Causes in Atascosa County Jail

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Richard Perez was only 20 years old when he was booked into Atascosa County Jail on October 1, 2024. His 21st birthday was 12 days later. Tragically, he died in the jail’s custody after 33 days of incarceration. Under the direction of Sheriff David Soward, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Department on November 25, 2024.

The summary of how Mr. Perez’s death occurred sheds no light on the cause of the tragedy. It says that he laid down on his bunk, which was in a multiple-occupancy cell. Soon after, several inmates asked guards to check on him. The guards found that Mr. Perez was unresponsive. He was moved to the booking area and ultimately transported by ambulance to a hospital. Mr. Perez was pronounced deceased at 1:43 AM on November 3, 2024. An investigation found no signs of foul play.

The Atascosa County Jail is located at 1108 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton, Texas 78026. The facility has a 138-bed capacity.

Atascosa County Jail was Cited for Non-Compliance After a Custodial Suicide

A 34-year-old man didn’t live three full days after being booked into Atascosa County Jail on June 28, 2023. The man hung himself with a towel and died by suicide on July 1 last year. However, the CDR about the man’s death was filed on July 17, 2024—a year late, as the deadline for filing is 30 days after a death. Because of the death, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted a special jail inspection on August 28, 2023. TCJS inspectors discovered the following:

  • A video that was submitted after a custodial suicide revealed that a detainee was placed in the ‘dress out’ room to shower and change into a jail-issued uniform and was not observed for 61 minutes.

Can Jails Be Held Accountable for Neglect Related to Suicides?

Suicide is an extremely serious matter in jails because it is consistently the leading cause of inmate deaths. Suicide prevention measures are part of the mandatory training for all jail staff. Supervision is recognized as the greatest deterrent to suicide.

County and municipal jails often struggle with understaffing. One of the unfortunate outcomes of staffing issues is that they lead to violations of minimum jail standards related to the supervision of inmates. Statistics show that about 23% or more of all custodial suicides occur within the first 24 hours of incarceration. New inmates are also at an increased risk of suicide for the first two weeks, based on research and statistics.

Neglecting suicide prevention measures could arguably be presented as evidence of deliberate indifference toward this threat to detainees’ lives.

Legal Support for Jail Neglect in Custodial Suicides

If you believe your loved one’s death in a Texas jail was caused by neglect or abuse, it’s essential to seek knowledgeable legal representation. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to protecting the rights of inmates and their families. Our team handles jail death cases, including those involving custodial suicides, and brings extensive experience to these challenging and sensitive situations.

Additionally, if you are a former inmate who has suffered serious injuries due to abuse, neglect, or inadequate medical care while incarcerated, we may be able to help. Reach out for a free case evaluation, 24/7 via phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

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.

 

author avatar
smchugh
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