PRINCIPAL OFFICE: DALLAS, TEXAS: (214) 670-9989 | TOLL FREE: (866) 670-9989

Category: Custodial Death

Paul Sarabia Dies on Day 5 at Bexar County Jail

Front of Jail Cell

About two weeks after his 50th birthday, Paul Anthony Sarabia was booked into Bexar County Jail in San Antonio, Texas, on September 1, 2024. Tragically, he had a medical emergency four days later and then died the next day, having been moved to University Hospital. The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Sarabia was filed by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office on September 17, 2024.

The CDR doesn’t shed much light on what Mr. Sarabia’s medical condition may have been. We do know that he was on a dialysis machine along with other medical devices that were removed minutes before his death due to a do not resuscitate (DNR) signed by a family member. Dr. Grayson Hobart-Means, MD, pronounced Mr. Sarabia deceased at 10:46 AM on September 6.

Can Jails be Held Accountable for Medical Neglect?

When jail medical neglect results in custodial death, jails can be held accountable. If families suspect that the denial of necessary medical care has resulted in the death of a loved one, it is important to act immediately. Garnering evidence of potential jail neglect and abuse takes time.

The cause of an inmate’s death sometimes brings possible jail neglect to light. Sepsis is a condition that occurs due to the absence of appropriate treatment for infection. In Webb County Jail, for example, a 34-year-old detainee passed away because of sepsis resulting from an infection caused by needle sites. A federal lawsuit was filed against the Laredo, Texas, jail by attorney Dean Malone, who is representing a family member. Mr. Malone has asserted the constitutional rights of inmates for years.

Medical Care for Serious Medical Needs is Required in Jails

In a constitutional rights case for medical neglect, it is important to establish that a detainee was denied care for a serious medical need. This could include:

  • Extreme pain, deterioration of an inmate’s condition, a threat of death, etc.;
  • Several mental health problems are defined as serious medical needs, including issues that involve tendencies toward suicide; and
  • Symptoms of withdrawal

Statistics show that the jails that rely on privately contracted healthcare services have higher death rates than jails that find other solutions to providing medical care for inmates. The three leading causes of death in county and municipal jails are all preventable if promptly treated, those being suicide, illness, and effects from alcohol and drugs.

Reach Out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Jail Neglect Assistance

If you or a loved one has suffered due to jail neglect, it’s important to get expert legal support. The Law Offices of Dean Malone has a dedicated team that focuses on helping families who have lost loved ones in Texas jails potentially because of neglect. We also encourage former inmates facing serious challenges resulting from neglect or abuse while incarcerated to contact us.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

author avatar
smchugh

Josiah Johnson Dies at Potter County Jail After 15 Hours

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Thirty-three-year-old Josiah Devon Johnson went through Potter County Jail intake on September 5, 2024. He died 15 hours later in the jail’s medical housing unit. Under the direction of Sheriff Brian L. Thomas, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Potter County Sheriff’s Department on September 10, 2024. The CDR shows that Mr. Johnson was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during intake.

The Potter County Jail is at 13103 NE 29th in Amarillo, TX. The Amarillo jail can house 598 detainees.

How Common Are Withdrawal Deaths in U.S. Jails?

Detainees in county and local jails have a right to necessary medical care. That includes medical treatments necessary to save lives from withdrawal deaths. It is a disturbing statistic that alcohol and drugs are the third leading cause of death in our nation’s jails. A recent study that analyzed jail mortality data showed that 1,442 deaths within a 13-year period were associated with drugs and alcohol. Yet only 103 of those deaths were attributed to substance withdrawal. Part of the reason for this is the way deaths are coded.

But the more important question is why so many detainees in county and municipal jails die while experiencing withdrawal from substances? Here are some statistics that may help answer that question:

  • Among arrestees, about 16% have an opiate or alcohol dependence. Only 28% of U.S. jail administrators during the same period reported having ever detoxified detainees.

Drug and alcohol withdrawal appears to be inadequately treated in jails across the country. Tragically, this oversight often ends in custodial deaths.

Management of Opiate Detoxification in U.S. Jails

A national survey of 500 county and city jails was recently conducted. The survey asked for information about how opiate dependence among detainees is assessed and managed. Responses clearly showed that many jails do not use recommended procedures for opiate detoxification. Per the Bureau of Justice Assistance, deaths from withdrawal are preventable. Jails have a pressing duty to establish and implement withdrawal protocols and policies.

From 2000 to 2019, there was an increase of 33% in the number of local jail inmates who died from all causes. In the same period, those who died from drug/alcohol intoxication jumped 397%. The median length of incarceration in a local jail before death from drug or alcohol intoxication was 1 day. It is common for individuals to experience substance withdrawal during the booking process in jail. Lifesaving protocols to address substance withdrawal in U.S. jails are obviously needed.

Legal Assistance for Jail Medical Neglect from the Law Offices of Dean Malone

If you suspect that your loved one’s death in a Texas jail resulted from neglect or abuse, it is crucial to secure experienced legal help. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to asserting the rights of inmates and their families. We have a team focused on jail death cases, including those involving custodial suicides. Our skilled team has extensive experience in these complex and sensitive matters. Additionally, if you are a former inmate who endured abuse, neglect, or insufficient medical care that led to serious injuries, we may be able to assist you. Contact us for a free case evaluation—we are available 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

author avatar
smchugh

Enrique Hernandez Dies After 3 Months in Midland County Jail

iStock 174820656

Enrique Hernandez was booked into Midland County Jail on May 25, 2024. Mr. Hernandez died in the jail’s custody on August 29, 2024, at 22 years of age. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Midland County Sheriff’s Department on September 3, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff David Criner. Mr. Hernandez’s autopsy results are awaited. However, the CDR provides helpful information. For instance, Mr. Hernandez made suicidal statements and exhibited mental health problems when he entered the jail.

In answer to the question of his medical cause of death, the CDR states that Mr. Hernandez was in a padded cell. He jumped back and struck his head on the floor. Officers found him and, although he was breathing, he was unresponsive. He was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital.

Details continue in the summary of how his death occurred, but no dates or times are included. It begins by stating that Mr. Hernandez was on suicide watch and had been placed in a violent cell. His actions were caught on camera and viewed at a later time. While in the violent cell, he attempted to do what appeared to be a backflip, and he landed on the side of his head.

Mr. Hernandez was being cleared out of the padded cell and was in the process of being moved back to his previous housing while remaining on suicide watches. However, it was discovered that he was unresponsive to stimuli at this time. At this point, he was transported to the Midland Memorial Hospital, where it was discovered that he had an inoperable brain hemorrhage. He was flown via helicopter to Lubbock Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased 2 days later.

The address of Midland County Jail is 400 S Main St, Midland, TX 79701. The jail has an 800-bed capacity.

Failed Jail Inspections at Midland County Jail Reveal Danger to Inmates

Since 2020, Midland County Jail in Midland, Texas, has been found non-compliant at least five times. On two of those jail inspection reports, inspectors with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards discovered areas of neglect that could potentially result in harm to detainees.

Earlier this year, on March 28, 2024, a non-compliance letter was sent to Midland County Jail after completion of a jail inspection on March 25 and 26. On April 3, 2023, another failed jail inspection showed a specific area of potential jail neglect, as well. See the respective details below:

  • Observation logs provided showed that jail staff was not conducting the required 30-minute checks of the detainees in holding cells.
  • Inspectors found that restraint chair documentation revealed that on 38 occasions, detainees were placed in restraint chair systems where there was no documentation of the required 15-minute face-to-face observations.

Is Help Available for Jail Medical Neglect and Suicide Cases?

According to a recent study, about 68% of detainees in county and city jails with chronic medical conditions do not receive adequate care while behind bars—a shocking statistic. If you’ve faced serious health problems due to medical neglect or other forms of neglect in a municipal or county jail, or if a loved one has passed away as a result of neglect or suicide while incarcerated in local jail facilities, we urge you to contact us. Our firm has significant experience in handling jail neglect cases, with a dedicated team focused on custodial death cases.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free case review. We are available 24/7 by phone, text, or via our online form.

author avatar
smchugh

Cherokee County Jail Fails in the Distribution of Prescribed Meds

iStock 535770221 2
3d interior Jail

After an inspection of Cherokee County Jail on August 19, 2024, a notice of non-compliance was sent to the jail on August 23 citing it for violating one minimum jail standard. As a result, the Cherokee County Jail is now listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website.

Under the Health Services Plan, the Cherokee County Jail was found to be in violation of the rule requiring prescription medications to be distributed according to the written instructions of physicians. A TCJS inspector indicated the following:

  • Medical administration records (MARs) at Cherokee County Jail were reviewed in response to a complaint. It was discovered that between January through June 2024, the distribution of prescribed medications was not completed on multiple occasions.

The address of Cherokee County Jail is 272 Underwood St, Rusk, TX 75785. The Rusk jail has an inmate capacity of 188.

Inmates in Local Jails Die Because They Are Denied Prescription Meds

There is no shortage of stories from jails across America about detainees who died because they were allegedly denied necessary medication. The following are a few examples found in recent news stories:

  • A particular third-party healthcare company is the target of a story about high death tolls in jails where they provide medical care. Details about several deaths are provided. One tragic death occurred in which it was ruled that a woman died in a jail outside Texas because she was denied her anti-seizure medication.
  • A 41-year-old man in a North Carolina county jail pleaded for his prescription anti-depressant medication. Records show he made the request 16 times, but his requests were denied. After being booked into the jail on April 3, 2021, he was found hanging in his cell on May 22, 2021, and was pronounced deceased that day.
  • A 54-year-old man was arrested for a misdemeanor in Florida. When he entered the jail, he explained that his heart would fail if he did not take his anti-rejection medicine for his heart transplant. While at the jail, he was not provided with his medication. The condition of his heart worsened to the point that he died of acute rejection of the heart three days after his release from jail.
  • There are many stories about detainees who were suffering through drug withdrawals and were not provided with treatments that could have saved their lives.

Pursuing Justice for Jail Deaths Caused by Neglect

Being incarcerated should not mean a loss of civil rights. If you suspect that a loved one died in a Texas jail due to jail neglect or abuse, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone as soon as possible. Our firm is dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by custodial deaths, with a devoted team focused on these cases. We can also help many former detainees who have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of jail neglect during their time in jail. Contact us anytime—by phone, text, or through our online form. We are available 24/7, and we are committed to asserting inmates’ fundamental rights.

 

author avatar
smchugh

Burleson County Jail is Cited After an Inmate’s Death

iStock 157569394 1
Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Burleson County Jail in Caldwell, Texas, was recently added to the list of non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A day after an August 26, 2024, special jail inspection at the Caldwell jail, a notice of non-compliance was sent. TCJS inspectors found that two minimum jail standards were violated in connection with a custodial death at Burleson County Jail.

The TCJS inspector noted the following regarding Rule §273.2-Health Services Plan:

  • Following a custodial death at Burleson County Jail, the Medication Administration Records (MARs) were reviewed. Rather than administering a medication twice daily, as the physician ordered, it was given only once per day. Another medication that a physician indicated should be administered each night was not provided at all.

Burleson County Jail also violated Rule §275.1-Regular Observation by Jailers, allegedly in connection with a custodial death:

  • After a Burleson County Jail detainee died, a review of the video showing observation rounds revealed that they were not conducted according to minimum jail standards. On five (5) occasions, the jail staff did not conduct a face-to-face check of the inmate.

Burleson County Jail’s address is 1334 Highway 21 E. in Caldwell, Texas 77836. The jail has a bed capacity of 96.

How Important is Jail Supervision?

When Texas jails are inspected, it is often discovered that there has been at least one failure in regard to the supervision of detainees. As shown above, Burleson County Jail was cited for failing to conduct face-to-face checks as required. Lack of supervision according to minimum jail standards can have tragic consequences. From inmate-on-inmate violence to an inmate experiencing a medical emergency to a detainee attempting to commit suicide, supervision is the most important element of prevention.

Burleson County Jail Recently Failed to Provide Suicide Training

On September 26, 2023, a jail inspection revealed that Burleson County Jail violated one of the requirements under the suicide prevention plan. Inspectors’ notes revealed the following:

  • Out of 14 total jail staff, 4 did not complete the annual suicide prevention training as required by the Burleson County operational plan for the jail.

Suicide prevention should be a top priority in local jails because it is the leading cause of death in that environment. Jail staff training is essential because the staff are the ones who usually have the best opportunity to prevent an unnecessary death by suicide. Without training, important detainee protections could be denied. The most common method in which jail inmates commit suicide is by hanging, and death by hanging takes only a few minutes.

Need Assistance with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being held in a county or municipal jail doesn’t mean losing your fundamental rights. When detainees suffer mistreatment such as denial of medical care, it is vital that those responsible are held accountable.

Have you lost a family member in a Texas jail and believe neglect played a role in their death? Or perhaps you were previously incarcerated and sustained serious injuries due to negligence? If so, we may be able to assist. The Law Offices of Dean Malone is committed to handling custodial death cases, drawing on years of experience to offer dedicated 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

Jose Galarza Dies in the Custody of the Dallas County Jail on 8/13/24

iStock 123166440 2

Fifty-one-year-old Jose Guadalupe Galarza went through Dallas County Jail intake on March 21, 2024. Mr. Galarza died in the jail’s custody on August 13, 2024. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) on August 22, 2024. Although the results of an autopsy are still pending, the CDR shows that Mr. Galarza’s cause of death was heart failure. In the summary of how Mr. Galarza’s death occurred, the CDR shows that on the day of his death, he was transported by ambulance and admitted to Parkland Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. At 6:53 PM Dr. Dale Butler pronounced Mr. Galarza deceased, and he made the determination about the cause.

Located at 111 West Commerce St. in Dallas, TX, the Dallas County Jail is also known as the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. Between the North Tower Detention Facility, the West Tower Detention Facility, and the Suzanne Lee Kays Detention Facility, Dallas County Jail can house approximately 7,100 detainees.

How Might Violations of Minimum Jail Standards Reflect on the Care of Inmates at Dallas County Jail?

In recent years, Dallas has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) on four occasions. Each provides information that may reveal lax standards toward the care of inmate, in violation of minimum standards.

For example, following a jail inspection conducted on September 6, 2022, a TCJS inspector left the following note:

  • A review of video submitted after custodial death revealed that observation rounds were not conducted in accordance with minimum jail standards.

This violation is in the category of inmate supervision. It is widely recognized that failing to supervise inmates according to minimum jail standards puts inmates at risk for suicide, untended medical emergencies, and inmate-on-inmate violence.

On October 18, 2018, there was a special jail inspection that was also a follow-up to a custodial death. Inspectors state that the 30-minute face-to-face observations of the inmate in question had not occurred.

How Might an Inmate’s Death at Dallas County Jail Suggest Possible Neglect?

On January 18, 2018, a 23-year-old detainee at Dallas County Jail died from “Septic complications of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection.” Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can be averted almost 100% of the time with proper monitoring of infection. In most cases, people who receive antibiotics in a timely manner recover instead of going into septic shock or experiencing other septic complications that result in death.

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

If you believe a loved one died due to neglect or abuse while in a Texas jail, obtaining skilled legal representation is essential. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are committed to asserting the rights of inmates and their families, with a focus on cases involving deaths in jail, including custodial suicides. Our experienced team is well-versed in handling these sensitive matters. Moreover, if you are a former inmate who suffered mistreatment, neglect, or inadequate medical care leading to severe injuries, we may be able to help. Reach out to us for a free case evaluation—our team is available around the clock by phone, text, or through our online form.

author avatar
smchugh

Jose Viquez Dies in Dallas County Jail on 7/19/2024

screen shot 2023 08 01 at 11

Jose Manuel Viquez was booked into Dallas County Jail on July 10, 2024. Mr. Viquez died in the jail on July 19, 2024, at age 46. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office on August 21, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Marian Brown. Mr. Viquez’s cause of death is unknown, and the results of an autopsy are awaited. The CDR, however, also indicates that his death was the result of a pre-existing medical condition. On the day he was admitted, he was placed in an inmate restraint chair because he was speaking belligerently and refusing to obey or acknowledge any order given by the jail staff.

The address of Dallas County Jail is 111 West Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas 75202. The jail has a bed capacity of just over 7,000.

Illinois Jails are Scrutinized Regarding Restraint Chairs

In an investigative series, disturbing stories about the use of restraint chairs in Illinois jails are coming to light. The exposé claims that “Illinois jails use them [restraint chairs] every day.” The first story is about a detainee in a county jail being forced into a restraint chair with a black mesh hood over his head.

When officers tightened the straps like tourniquets around the 57-year-old detainee’s wrists and his ankles and chest were also restrained, he panicked. The inmate shouted that he was unable to breathe. Officers took the hood off of him, but he was forced to stay in the chair for 3.5 hours, where he was fully restrained and could not move. He felt that his blood circulation was cut off, and he lost feeling in his hands. For months afterward, numbness in his hands allegedly persisted.

A watchdog group conducted a nine-month investigation into county jails in Illinois. They discovered that, on average, restraint chairs are used on inmates more than 1,000 times per year. They discovered that the chairs are frequently used in ways that violate manufacturers’ guidelines as well as their own jail policies.

A few examples of their findings follow:

  • In one county, inmates have been shocked with electricity while restrained with a stun cuff affixed to their leg.
  • There is evidence that jail staff sometimes restrained people for days, often repeatedly and for as long as a week.
  • After activities were exposed, the sheriff’s department in one county took fast action, such as stopping the use of stun cuffs.

Help for Jail Medical Neglect Cases: Is It Available?

Recent findings show that approximately 68% of inmates in county and city jails with chronic medical conditions do not receive adequate care during their incarceration—an alarming number. If you have suffered serious health complications due to medical neglect or other forms of neglect in a municipal or county jail, or if you have lost a loved one to such negligence in a Texas jail, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our firm has extensive experience in handling jail neglect cases, with a team dedicated to addressing jail death cases.

If we can assist in your case, we are ready to act. Contact us 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

author avatar
smchugh

Michael Stewart Dies After Incarceration in Randall County Jail

Front of Jail Cell

Michael Glenn Stewart was booked into Randall County Jail on December 26, 2023. He died in the custody of the jail on July 23, 2024. The Randall County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Stewart on August 20, 2024, and it indicates that the cause of Mr. Stewart’s death was “acute renal failure with sepsis and septic shock.” The address of the Randall County Jail is 1501 Coulter St., Amarillo, TX 79106. The jail has a bed capacity of 454.

What is Sepsis?

When the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection or injury, a dangerous condition known as sepsis can develop. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that can worsen unpredictably and rapidly. What happens is that the infection-fighting processes turn on the body. Sepsis can lead to organ dysfunction, multiple organ failure, shock, and death. It’s important to note that the early treatment of sepsis greatly improves the chances for survival.

Infections in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, digestive system, bloodstream, or skin can result in sepsis. These and other types of infection can lead to severe sepsis and septic shock. “Blood poisoning” is a term often used instead of sepsis, though blood poisoning isn’t an accurate description of sepsis.

Symptoms of Sepsis

The symptoms of sepsis can vary from one person to the next, and children may respond differently to sepsis compared to adults. Some of they symptoms that can be evidence of sepsis include:

  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Shivering
  • Mental status changes
  • Sweating for no apparent reason
  • Symptoms specific to the type of infection causing the sepsis, such as a worsening cough from pneumonia or experiencing pain during urination caused by a urinary tract infection.

If treatment for sepsis is lacking, an individual may progress to septic shock, which increases the risk of death. With septic shock, a severe drop in blood pressure occurs. Other symptoms of septic shock include:

  • Strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake
  • Not capable of standing up
  • Extreme confusion occurs or some other major change in mental status

If a Person Dies of Sepsis in Jail, There Might be Fault

In jails, where detainees are supposed to receive medical attention, detainees should be treated for sepsis and/or its development.  Investigation into many custodial deaths show that if inmates have small infections, they are often made light of by jail staff. Treatment with antibiotics can usually divert the development of sepsis and, ultimately, septic shock.

A Law Firm Committed to Supporting Inmates and Their Families

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have dedicated many years to addressing cases involving jail neglect, abuse, and suicide. Our experienced team helps the families of individuals who may have lost their lives in county or municipal jails due to medical neglect. We have handled sepsis jail death cases. Additionally, if you are a former detainee in Texas and have endured serious, life-changing injuries because of jail abuse or neglect, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.

We are available around the clock via phone, text, or our online form. If you or a loved one has been affected by jail abuse or neglect resulting in death, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

author avatar
smchugh

A Fellow Inmate Kills Jose Barrera in Bexar County Jail

iStock 535770221 2
3d interior Jail

Jose Alejandro Barrera was booked into Bexar County Jail on December 15, 2024. He died in his cell at age 62 on August 13, 2024. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Barrera on August 15, 2024. The report states that Mr. Barrera’s manner of death was homicide, and the medical cause was strangulation.

In the summary of how the death occurred, the incident began at 1:58 PM on August 13. It was initiated by a request for assistance in unit CI, cell #08 regarding two inmates. Both were escorted out of the cell. Deputy Mireles returned to gather the personal property of both inmates. While there, another detainee in C108 told the deputy to check on Mr. Barrera because he had also been assaulted by one of the detainees who had just been removed from the cell.

He discovered that Mr. Barrera was lying on his back covered up to his neck with a bed sheet. The deputy saw no movement, and Mr. Barrera was unresponsive. He pulled down the sheet and observed that he wasn’t breathing. Lifesaving attempts began immediately and, after consulting with the University Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Harper, Mr. Barrera was pronounced deceased at 2:37 PM.

How Do Texas Jails Prevent Inmate-on-Inmate Violence?

Supervision of inmates is the best way to deter violence and suicide. Alarmingly, lack of proper observation is a common area in which Texas jails are found to be non-compliant. In 2019, Bexar County Jail was cited for non-compliance in February and May. Several of the rules violated were related to observations. The following are a couple of the inspector’s notes:

Observation logs indicated that jail staff exceeded the required face-to-face 15-minute observations on a continual basis. [The approved Bexar County Jail operational plan for inmates of full suicide precautions states that inmates shall be observed every 15 minutes.]

In areas where inmates must be observed every 60 minutes, jail staff continually exceeded the required observations by as few as 1 minute up to 126 minutes.

A Texas Jail Is Currently on the Verge of Overcrowding

In June 2024 news, the Potter County Jail population is reaching 85% capacity. The address of Potter County Jail is 13103 NE 29th in Amarillo, Texas 79111, and the jail’s bed capacity is 598. The county Commissioners’ Court voted unanimously to arrange for detainees to be housed in Deaf Smith County. Deaf Smith County Jail is at 235 E 3rd Street #205 in Hereford, Texas 79045. The jail has an inmate capacity of 93.

Sheriff Brian Thomas stated that 47 of the people currently incarcerated at Potter County Jail have been charged with murder, and 36 of them were already being moved. But, he said, “We are just having too much violent crime.”

Seek Help for Jail Medical Neglect with the Law Offices of Dean Malone

If you believe that a loved one died due to neglect or abuse while in the custody of a Texas jail, it’s essential to seek skilled legal support. The Law Offices of Dean Malone are dedicated to asserting the rights of jail inmates and their families, particularly in cases involving jail-related deaths. Our experienced team is well-versed in handling these complex cases. If you are a former detainee who has experienced abuse, neglect, or medical negligence while in jail and are now facing life-altering injuries, we encourage you to reach out to us. For a free case evaluation, contact us any time, day or night—by phone, text, or through by our online form.

 

author avatar
smchugh

Robertson County Jail Again Fails to Provide Timely Observations

iStock 157569394 1
Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Inspectors from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted an inspection at Robertson County Jail on July 25, 2024. The following day, a notice of non-compliance was issued to the Franklin, Texas, jail for the alleged violation of one minimum jail standard. In the chapter on the supervision of inmates, at-risk detainees, including those who are suicidal, must be observed by jailers face to face in staggered increments not to exceed every 30 minutes. Inspectors discovered that jail staff exceeded the 30-minute face-to-face observations by 1 to 23 minutes.

Robertson County Jail has a recent history of failing to provide proper supervision to the inmates who have been identified as the most vulnerable to suicide. In local jails, suicide is the leading cause of death among detainees, and suicide prevention is an essential role of the jail staff. The following are notes from TCJS inspectors when citing Robertson County Jail for violations of the supervision of inmates under two of the rules covering 30-minute observations. The notes are from inspections on the dates shown:

  • October 4, 2023: A review of 30- and 60-minute observations revealed that staff were exceeding the rounds by anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours;
  • October 26, 2018: Observation logs and video indicated that jail staff are not observing inmates confined in a holding cell or detoxification cell within 30 minutes as required by minimum standards.
  • June 26, 2018: There was no documentation to verify that observations were conducted every 30 minutes in holding and detox as required by minimum jail standards.; and, also, a review of observation logs indicated that jailers are exceeding the visual face-to-face observation of inmates as required by the administration. The observation log utilized by staff indicates that ALL jail checks are to be conducted within 30 minutes and printed on the log. Jailers are exceeding the 30-minute limit from 12 minutes up to 29 minutes.

Robertson County Jail’s address is 113 Deckard Street, Franklin, Texas 77856. The jail’s bed capacity is 53.

Texas Inmates in Local Jails Are at Risk for Suicide

A study in 2015 found that of 501 inmate deaths that occurred in county Texas jails since 2009, 140 of them—nearly one-third—were by suicide. Most were by hanging. Detainees had used bed linens, trash bags, telephone cords, electrical cords, and clothing to fashion ligatures and hang themselves. According to a case report on the topic, death takes only a few minutes to occur during a suicidal hanging. This alone is enough to stress the importance of the supervision of inmates according to TCJS guidelines.

Around-the-Clock Support for Jail Death Cases

Jails are responsible for ensuring the well-being of everyone in their custody. If you were detained in a Texas jail and suffered serious injuries due to neglect, including medical neglect, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. With extensive experience asserting inmates’ rights, we are committed to providing legal support whenever possible. If you have lost a loved one in jail due to suspected medical neglect or abuse, we may also be able to offer our assistance to you. A dedicated team at our office works exclusively on jail death cases.

Reach out to us as soon as possible. We are available 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

author avatar
smchugh
MENU