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Category: Custodial Death

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

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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.

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smchugh

Wilson County Jail Fails to Comply with Restraint Requirements

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The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website currently includes Wilson County Jail in its list of non-compliant jails. A jail inspection report was issued to the Floresville, Texas, jail on October 9, 2024, followed by a notice of non-compliance on October 14, 2024. Inspectors with TCJS found that Wilson County Jail violated two minimum jail standards. One is related to emergency fire drill training for jail staff. The other is a mandate to conduct documented observations of inmates in restraints every 15 minutes; the inspectors’ notes about restraints follow.

  • The inspector discovered that restraint observations entered in the restraint logs were being conducted over the 15-minute time requirement by 1 minute up to 15 minutes.

Wilson County Jail’s address is 800 10th Street, Floresville, Texas 78114. The jail’s bed capacity is 160.

Why Observation Checks in Jails Are Important

Face-to-face observation checks in municipal and county jails are required at different intervals and for different reasons. These are crucial activities because supervision is at the heart of observations. Lives are saved when jails ensure that inmates are properly supervised. For instance, detainees are protected from inmate-on-inmate violence when jailers check on them as required. Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails, and supervision is the best deterrent.

The purpose of checking on inmates every 15 minutes maximum when they are in restraints is partly to protect them from physical injury. Blood circulation is to be checked every quarter of an hour, and medical care must be provided every 2 hours.

A problem that is often exposed in the news is that detainees sometimes have difficulty breathing and can become unresponsive after they have been in a strenuous struggle prior to being placed in restraints. Frequent checks on detainees ensure that a detainee in medical distress can more likely than not get the lifesaving help they require.

Do Jail Inmates Usually Get Medical Attention When Needed?

Many news stories have come to light through the years that place doubt on the question of inmates receiving timely medical care when they are in great distress. After an inmate dies because they were ignored as they suffered medical distress, jail staff will often express that it is reasonable to consider that inmates are only seeking attention when they cry out for help. When medical neglect is suspected in association with a custodial death, it is important to act quickly so that investigations can more successfully discover the facts about what happened.

Is Help Available for Jail Negligence Cases?

A recent study shows that nearly 70% of inmates in local U.S. jails with chronic health conditions are denied proper medical care—a startling statistic. If you’ve suffered life-changing injuries due to jail medical neglect or abuse, or if you’ve lost a loved one to neglect while they were incarcerated, we encourage you to contact us promptly. The Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C. has a team focused on custodial death cases, with extensive experience in cases related to jail abuse and medical neglect.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7—call, text, or connect with us through our online form.

 

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smchugh

Howard County Jail Violated Minimum Standards When an Inmate Died

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Howard County jail in Big Spring, Texas, is now listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website alongside other non-compliant jails. During a special jail inspection at Howard County Jail on September 23, 2024, TCJS inspectors discovered that the Big Spring detention facility had violated one minimum jail standard in connection with the death of a female detainee.

The notice of non-compliance sent to Howard County Jail on September 23 lists the minimum standard violated inaccurately as far as the rule number, though the description correctly matched the wording for Rule §275.1-Regular Observation by Jailers in the chapter about inmate supervision. The notes from TCJS inspectors conveyed the following:

  • The video documentation provided after a custodial death was reviewed. The video revealed that at least twenty-four (24) rounds were not conducted face to face as required, though the observation rounds were conducted within the timeframe mandated by minimum jail standards.

Howard County Jail’s address is 3611 Hwy 80 in Big Spring, Texas 79720. The jail can house up to 96 detainees.

How Does Supervision of Inmates Help Save Lives?

Research shows that inmates are certainly safer with direct supervision by jail staff. This underscores the importance of sticking to mandated timing for face-to-face observations when a jail provides indirect supervision. When an officer is present, there are fewer assaults and abuses, such as when stronger inmates prey on weaker detainees.

When there is a commitment to protect inmates with strict supervision, lives can be saved, whether from death by suicide, withdrawal, severe illness, inmate-on-inmate attacks, or overdosing. Tragically, as in the case of Howard County Jail, investigations often reveal that a lack of supervision was associated with custodial deaths.

Supervision is the Best Means to Prevent Jail Suicides

In general, jails should always be on high alert to prevent inmate suicides because suicide is the leading cause of death in municipal and county detention facilities. Research provides plenty of predictors that can guide jail staff on how to prevent suicides effectively. For instance, the first 24 hours that any individual is incarcerated, there is a strong risk for suicide. Up to 24% of all jail suicides occur in that timeframe.

More than 90% of jail suicides happen by hanging or self-strangulation. Therefore, if a detainee is known or suspected to be suicidal, it makes no sense to provide them with supplies that can be used to fashion an effective ligature to take their own life. Bed sheets and blankets are commonly used in custodial suicides, though trash bags, phone cords, and many other items have been used.

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

If you or a loved one has experienced harm due to abuse or neglect in a jail, seeking skilled legal support is essential. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we routinely assist families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails, where neglect may have been a contributing factor. We also encourage former inmates dealing with significant issues related to neglect or abuse during their time in custody to reach out to us.

Connect with us today for a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Crockett County Jail is Found Non-Compliant in a Second 2024 Jail Inspection

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Crockett County Jail in Ozona, Texas, was recently added to the non-compliant jails listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website for the second time in 2024. The first of the two failed inspections at Crockett County Jail this year was in February. After a September 19, 2024, jail inspection at the Ozona jail, a notice of non-compliance was issued on September 23. TCJS inspectors found that Crocket County Jail was non-compliant with three minimum jail standards.

The rules violated were RULE §263.56-Testing Emergency Power Equipment and two violations under RULE §273.5-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan in the chapter on Health Services.

Crockett County Jail’s address is 121 S. Hwy 163 in Ozona, Texas 76943. The jail has an inmate capacity of 24.

Can Jails Be Held Accountable for Preventable Inmate Suicides?

Suicide is the leading cause of death in local jails. The rules of operation, which are established by TCJS, include requirements related to suicide prevention. Jails can be held accountable for jail negligence that results in a preventable suicide. For example, if a detainee has been identified as a suicidal individual, it would be an act of negligence to place them alone in a cell with items that can be fashioned into a ligature.

Close to 90% of custodial suicides in Texas occur by way of hanging and self-strangulation. These methods of suicide cause death within approximately 5 minutes, more or less.

Since 2019, overall suicide rates in 25 states have increased by more than 30%. Within the U.S. corrections system, the total number of suicides increased from 499 in 2001 to 695 in 2019. Female inmate suicides rose by nearly 65% in the same time period. Inmates prior to their adjudication accounted for nearly 77% of all those who died by suicide in city and county jails from 2000 to 2019. More recent statistics show even higher numbers.

A Custodial Suicide in Texas is Ruled a Preventable Death

In April of 2021, a 37-year-old Texas jail inmate was placed on suicide watch, being undisputedly suicidal. Nevertheless, an officer delivered a sheet, blanket, and bag of towels to the man. Approximately 18 minutes later, the man was found hanging inside his cell. Allegedly, the tragic suicide could have been prevented if not for apparent jail negligence.

Seeking Help for Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a city or county jail doesn’t strip away your basic rights. When detainees face mistreatment, such as being denied proper medical care, it’s crucial to hold those responsible accountable.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe neglect was a factor in their death, or if you’ve suffered serious injuries due to jail negligence during a previous incarceration, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have a team focused on custodial death cases and bring years of experience to provide you with strong legal representation.

We are available around the clock. Reach out via phone, text, or our online form to schedule a free case consultation.

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smchugh

Donna Pierre Dies After 40 Hours in Howard County Jail

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Seventy-year-old Donna Pierre was booked into Howard County Jail on August 25, 2024, at 9:48 PM. She died approximately 40 hours later. A custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Pierre was filed by the Howard County Sheriff’s Department on October 7, 2024. Her cause of death is unknown, and very little is revealed in the CDR that may suggest possible causes.

Upon entry into the jail there Ms. Pierre appeared to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. She was housed in a holding cell, which is typically a multiple-occupancy cell. A medical condition, it appears, is not believed to be her cause of death. In answer to a question about whether she may have died due to a pre-existing medical condition, the response indicates that the question is not applicable because the cause of death was:

  • Accidental injury,
  • Intoxication,
  • Suicide, or
  • Homicide.

The summary of how Ms. Pierre’s death occurred is very brief. Presumably, a member of the jail staff wrote the summary. It reveals that the individual was notified at 11:00 AM on August 27, 2024, that there was an unresponsive female in the jail. He or she reported to the location indicated by medical staff, who were already on the scene. Emergency medical services (EMS) were called. When they arrived, a determination was made that “the inmate was already deceased.”

The address of Howard County Jail is 3611 Hwy 80 in Big Spring, Texas 79720. The bed capacity of the Big Spring jail is 96.

Bexar County Jail Files a CDR on a Custodial Suicide 5 Months Late

A custodial suicide occurred in Bexar County Jail in San Antonio, Texas, on March 10, 2024. Jails in Texas are required to file custodial death reports within 30 days of a detainee’s death, but in this case, the CDR was filed in July 2024. Families can seek to hold jails responsible if jail negligence was a factor in the death of a loved one. So, in any death case that warrants closer investigation, it is important to gather facts sooner rather than later.

A lack of adequate information about the events surrounding a death sometimes means details have been left out that may suggest jail neglect or abuse. These types of situations can also have detrimental repercussions on inmates’ families, who may be unaware of egregious events surrounding their loved one’s death.

Are You Seeking Help for Jail Medical Neglect or Suicide Cases?

If you or a loved one has been affected by jail neglect or abuse, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have been representing individuals and families for years in cases involving jail neglect, inmate abuse, and custodial deaths, including those resulting from medical neglect.

Our dedicated team has extensive experience asserting inmates’ rights and holding correctional facilities accountable for their actions. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.

We offer a free case review and are available 24/7. You can reach us by phone, text, or through our online form. Don’t hesitate to contact us to explore your legal options.

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smchugh

Michael Watson Dies on 8/11/24 in Freestone County Jail Texas

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Forty-nine-year-old Michael Tron Watson was booked into Freestone County Jail in Fairfield, Texas, on June 29, 2024. Mr. Watson was placed in a multiple occupancy cell. He died of unknown causes in the jail on August 11, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Freestone County Sheriff’s Department on September 30, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Jeremy Shipley. The CDR indicates that at the time of booking, Mr. Watson appeared to be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. He also exhibited mental health issues and medical problems as he went through intake. Mr. Watson was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell when jail staff discovered that he was not breathing/unresponsive.

The address of Freestone County Jail is 03 S. Keechi Street in Fairfield, Texas 75840. The jail has a 44-bed capacity.

An Inmate Dies Unnecessarily in a Colorado County Jail

In a news story published September 30, 2024, a family seeks to hold a Colorado County jail responsible for the death of their loved one. The 22-year-old was suffering from a staph infection when he entered the jail. The jail medical staff was provided with details from the young man’s hospital visit, which showed that he had a staph infection. Trained medical staff should know that without antibiotics, he was likely to develop a deadly case of sepsis, says the family.

At the onset of symptoms of sepsis, if treatment is provided, the survival rate is close to 100%. Sadly, jails are often found to have delayed responses to inmates’ medical needs, even when detainees need lifesaving treatment. In cases of deaths involving sepsis, the denial of medical care is implied and should always be investigated.

The Medical Examiner in a California County Rules an Inmate Death a Homicide by Negligence

In September 2023, a detainee in a county outside Texas suffered from diabetic ketoacidosis and died in his cell due to insufficient insulin. It was noted in the Medical Examiner’s (ME’s) report that the man’s insulin pump alarm was going off for nearly 24 hours. The jail’s medical records on file for the deceased showed his insulin requirements and when his pump would be depleted.

An investigation found that one September day he was given 10 units of insulin. However, the next day his blood sugar was dangerously high. The detainee refused the dose, saying that it was too low. A nurse put in a request for a new insulin order, and the inmate was allegedly not seen by jail medical staff for the next 19 hours. The cause of his death, per the Medical Examiner, was homicide by medical neglect

Is Assistance Available for Cases of Jail Negligence?

A recent study found that nearly 70% of inmates in county and municipal jails with chronic health conditions are denied proper medical care—an alarming figure. If you’ve experienced life-altering injuries due to jail neglect or abuse or if you’ve lost a family member to neglect while they were incarcerated, we urge you to contact us as soon as possible. The Offices of Dean Malone has a team dedicated to custodial death cases and years of experience in handling cases of jail abuse and medical neglect.

Feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. Call or text us today or reach out through our online form.

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smchugh

Crosby County Jail is Cited for Non-Compliance

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Crosby County Jail in Crosbyton, Texas, has recently been added to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website due to noncompliance. A special jail inspection on September 5, 2024, found that Crosby County Jail was in violation of one minimum jail standard, namely Rule §273.5-Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan, which is in the chapter that addresses Health Services. The rule’s purpose is to identify detainees who are known or observed to be potentially suicidal or mentally disabled.

TCJS inspectors made the following note with regard to Crosby County Jail’s noncompliance:

  • Inmate medical files were reviewed, and it was discovered that, on 2 of 5 occasions when warranted by the Continuity of Care Query (CCQ) return, staff failed to notify the magistrate by 70 hours to 27 days.

Crosby County Jail’s address is 201 W Aspen Street in Crosbyton, Texas 79322. The jail has a bed capacity of 11.

The Crosbyton TX Jail Fails to Provide Suicide Training to Jail Staff

Other recent jail inspections that Crosby County Jail failed occurred in 2020 and 2018, when the jail failed two inspections. Many times, after custodial deaths occur in non-compliant jails, TCJS inspectors find that a death is potentially associated with a rule violation. Lack of proper supervision of inmates is a frequent violation discovered after inmate deaths in Texas jails.

One of two areas of non-compliance discovered at Crosby County Jail in 2020 was the failure to provide jail staff with annual suicide training. Especially considering that suicide is the leading cause of death in jails, failing to provide jail staff with training on suicide prevention can directly contribute to preventable deaths.

A 21-Year-Old Dies by Suicide in January 2024

The death of a 21-year-old in the Universal City, Texas, jail on January 23, 2024, occurred 4 hours after he went through intake. To consider the death preventable is not a stretch. Suicide prevention training of jail staff includes information about recognizing and responding to detainees at risk for suicide. A blatant indicator is that any inmate is potentially a suicide risk on the first day of incarceration, considering that approximately 22% of jail suicides occur in the first 24 hours. Giving potentially suicidal inmates access to items easily used to fashion a ligature makes no sense. More than 90% of jail suicides result from hanging.

  • The summary of how the young man died in the Universal City jail in Bexar County says that an officer was conducting a cell check and observed that the detainee was on the floor with a cord wrapped around his neck and foam coming out of his mouth.

Seeking Help for Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Incarceration in a county or municipal jail does not mean your basic rights disappear. If detainees face mistreatment, like being denied medical care, it’s crucial that those responsible are held accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect that neglect was a factor in their death? Or were you previously incarcerated in a county or municipal jail and suffered severe injuries due to negligence? If so, we may be able to help. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to addressing custodial death cases, using years of experience to provide focused legal representation. We are available 24/7. Contact us by phone, text, or through our online form to arrange a free case evaluation.

author avatar
smchugh
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