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Category: Custodial Death

Montgomery County Jail Fails in a Suicide Prevention Measure

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Montgomery County Jail in Conroe, Texas, has been added to the list of non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A day after the July 25, 2024, jail inspection, the correspondence advising the jail of their non-compliance was sent. TCJS inspectors discovered that Montgomery County Jail violated three minimum jail standards.

Two of the rules violated by Montgomery County Jail are part of the overall suicide prevention plan. The following notes from the inspectors indicate areas in which they failed to protect potentially suicidal detainees:

  • It was discovered during the inspection that staff were not processing suicide screening forms as outlined in Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22.
  • Face-to-face observations for areas with potentially suicidal, assaultive, and mentally ill detainees as well as those who have exhibited bizarre behavior were not conducted at least every 30 minutes, as required in minimum jail standards. Jail staff exceeded the 30-minute rounds by 1 minute up to 31 minutes.

Montgomery County Jail’s address is 1 Criminal Justice Dr, Conroe, TX 77301. The jail has a housing capacity of approximately 1,253 inmates.

A Suicide Allegedly Occurs in Montgomery County Jail During Observation Rules Violations

Suicide prevention is an important responsibility in Texas jails because it is recognized as the leading cause of death in county and municipal jails. It is often discovered that jails fail in the all-important requirement to provide supervision according to the rules.

Last year a 67-year-old detainee at Montgomery County Jail fashioned a makeshift ligature and used it to hang himself. The reason he was in a single cell was because he requested it saying he was afraid of being assaulted. The custodial death report’s (CDR’s) summary of how his death occurred also indicates that he was checked at 4:14 pm, 4:36 pm, and 4:58 pm prior to being discovered hanging in his cell at 5:04 pm.

  • TCJS inspected the jail after the man’s tragic death. They reported that the Montgomery County Jail Administration conducted an internal investigation of the in-custody suicide. It was discovered that the face-to-face observations had not occurred because the detainee had placed a sheet over the cell door, obstructing their view. Although jailers made rounds during the timeframe mandated, the observations were invalid because the jailers did not view the inmate face to face, which is required.

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a county or municipal jail does not mean losing basic rights. When detainees are mistreated or denied necessary medical care, those responsible must be held accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and believe their death was due to neglect? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered life-altering injuries because of negligence? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our team focuses on custodial death cases, and our years of experience allow us to provide thorough and dedicated representation.

Contact us 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form to schedule a free case review today.

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smchugh

Mary Mayfield is the 2nd Bell County Jail Inmate to Die on 7/19/24

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On July 8, 2024, two days after her 37th birthday, Mary Ann Mayfield went through Bell County Jail intake. Ms. Mayfield died in the custody of the jail on the afternoon of July 19, 2024. Under the direction of Sheriff Eddy Lange, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office on August 12, 2024. The CDR of another detainee who also died in Bell County Jail on July 19 was filed that day, as well. The other deceased inmate was a 27-year-old male. Both had been in the infirmary when they were found in an unresponsive state.

The CDR does not specify what Ms. Mayfield’s medical needs were, resulting in her being transferred to the jail’s infirmary on July 15. Amidst other details about jailer Caprica Brooks, who was providing cleaning supplies to other inmates at 10:26 PM, it says she heard Ms. Mayfield snoring and also noticed that she stopped snoring as she exited the cell. The CDR ultimately says that, minutes after leaving the cell, detainees banged on the door to report that Ms. Mayfield was not breathing. Jailer Brooks returned to the cell, where she found Ms. Mayfield chest-down on the bed, facing the back wall.

At 10:29 PM, Jailer Brooks and medical staff entered the cell, and a medical emergency was called. Lifesaving measures began and included the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and “all other medical treatment.” Emergency medical services (EMS) were called, and they found a weak pulse and transported Ms. Mayfield by ambulance to Baylor Scott & White Hospital. She was pronounced deceased at 4:44 PM. The cause of death awaits pending autopsy results, but the CDR indicates that Ms. Mayfield died of natural causes and also shows that it was a pre-existing medical condition.

Bell County Jail has an inmate capacity of 1,184. The address is 111 West Central Avenue, Belton, Texas 76513.

Texas Has a History of Jail Suicides

The leading cause of death in local and county jails in Texas and throughout the U.S. is suicide. Bell County Jail contributes to that statistic, as do many others. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) provides the minimum jail standards by which jails in Texas must operate, and they include establishing a suicide prevention plan and providing training to all jail staff. Some details about two tragic suicides of young men that took place in Bell County Jail follow:

  • A 23-year-old detainee was found hanging in a holding cell on the same night he had been booked into the jail. His manner of death, which occurred eight days later, was listed by the medical examiner as suicide by hanging.
  • The CDR about a 24-year-old man who died by suicide at Bell County Jail shows that he made suicidal statements when he went through intake. He hung himself two days later in the multiple-occupancy cell where he was housed. However, his death came two months and two days after his suicide attempt. The medical examiner showed the following as the cause of death:
    • 1. Respiratory Failure (35 days)
    • 2. Asphyxiation (mins.)
    • 3. Hanging by Ligature (mins.)

Seeking Justice for a Death Due to Jail Neglect

Incarceration does not strip individuals of their civil rights. If you believe that your loved one passed away in a U.S. jail due to medical neglect, it is crucial to act swiftly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone as soon as possible. Our dedicated team focuses on custodial death cases. We also assert the rights of former detainees who have suffered life-altering injuries while incarcerated. Reach out to us today by phone, text, or through our online form. We are deeply committed to inmates’ rights and are available 24/7 to assist you.

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smchugh

Landon Davis Dies in Bell County Jail on 7/19/24

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Landon Correll Davis was booked into Bell County Jail on November 7, 2023. Mr. Davis died in the jail on July 19, 2024, at 27 years of age. A custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office
on August 12, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Eddy Lange. Mr. Davis’s autopsy results are awaited, but the CDR shows that a pre-existing medical condition caused his death.

In the summary of how Mr. Davis’s death occurred, it says that after five days of complaints about constipation, he was brought to the infirmary on July 18. The next day at about 3:46 AM, jailer Margaret Watkins checked on Mr. Davis and saw that he was unresponsive and didn’t appear to be breathing. She also reported seeing that blood appeared to be coming from his mouth.

Lifesaving measures began and included efforts from medical staff and emergency medical services (EMS). The hospital was consulted, and lifesaving measures ceased in the cell. JP Coleman pronounced Mr. Davis deceased at 6:10 AM on July 19. The cell was secured, and the Texas Rangers and the Justice of the Peace were called.

The address of Bell County Jail is 111 West Central Avenue, Belton, Texas 76513. The jail has a 1,184-bed capacity.

Are Detainees in Texas Often Victims of Jail Medical Neglect?

More than 20 families joined forces a year ago to demand changes in the Texas county jail where their loved ones had died. Their open letter from the families and former inmates alleged a pattern of jail neglect. Twelve alleged victims suffered medical neglect and abuse in the jail.

The families pointed out that the jail had been in violation of minimum jail standards related to medical care for detainees three months earlier. The following were among the observations made by Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) inspectors:

Detainees at the jail were not seen by medical personnel within 48 hours, per the facility’s operational plan.

Five months ago, the jail was found noncompliant for its failure to follow doctor’s orders and provide medication to a detainee as directed. During the comprehensive re-inspection, it was discovered that the jail continues to fail to meet these requirements for inmate medical care.

Is Assistance Available for Medical Neglect Cases?

A recent study revealed that around 68% of detainees in county and city jails with chronic medical conditions do not receive proper medical care while incarcerated—a startling statistic. If you have experienced severe health issues due to medical neglect or any other form of neglect while in a municipal or county jail, or if a loved one has died as a result of such neglect in a U.S. jail, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our office has extensive experience handling jail neglect cases, with a dedicated team focused on jail death cases.

If we can assist with your situation, we are ready to help. We are available 24/7—contact us today by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Mclendon Caldwell Dies After Incarceration in Tarrant County Jail

Front of Jail Cell

Sixty-eight-year-old Mclendon Caldwell entered Tarrant County Jail on February 2, 2024. He died of unknown causes on July 12, 2024. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about his death on August 8, 2024.

The summary of how Mr. Caldwell’s death occurred doesn’t provide any clues about the cause. It says he was found unresponsive in his cell on July 11, 2024, and he died at John Peter Smith Hospital the next day.

The Lon Evans Corrections Center is the Tarrant County Jail facility where Mr. Caldwell was housed. The address is 600 W Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76102. The Lon Evans Corrections Center has a 1,169-bed capacity.

Tarrant County Jail Allegedly Fails to Prevent Drugs from Reaching Detainees

In July 2024 news, the family of a 23-year-old man who died in Tarrant County Jail of a fentanyl overdose is seeking to hold the jail accountable. Texas jails have a duty to effectively prevent drugs from being smuggled in and getting to inmates. The safety and well-being of detainees are the sheriffs’ responsibility.

Tarrant County Jail has been called out for 25 drug-related or mental health-related deaths since 2017, which an exposé points out was the year the current sheriff took office. In addition to those 25 custodial deaths, another 65 detainees have allegedly died in the custody of the sheriff’s office since 2017.

How Do Jails Handle Mentally Ill Inmates?

Another family is raising awareness about the death of a 31-year-old man who died in the custody of Tarrant County Jail. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office made a statement about the death, saying the man died after he was pepper sprayed during a confrontation with detention officers. The family says their loved one had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and they wanted to know the jail’s policy for dealing with mentally ill inmates.

News stories in April 2024 revealed that Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn blames the death of the schizophrenic detainee on the lack of mental health care available. He says that more needs to be done to treat mental illness among jail inmates. In addition, he pointed out that many of the issues plaguing Tarrant County Jail point to a lack of treatment for mental health issues. Previously, however, he pointed to short staffing and an increased jail population as chief contributors to the jail’s woes.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jails are obligated to ensure that all individuals are safe in their custody. If you were an inmate in a Texas jail and experienced serious injuries due to neglect, such as inadequate medical care, the Law Offices of Dean Malone is here to assist you.

With extensive experience in asserting inmates’ rights, we are dedicated to supporting those impacted by jail negligence. If you suspect that a loved one’s death in jail was due to neglect, we may be able to help you seek justice. Our dedicated team primarily focuses on cases involving jail deaths.

Reach out to 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

Carson County Jail in Panhandle TX is Found Non-Compliant

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3d interior Jail

Carson County Jail in Texas is currently listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A notice of non-compliance was sent on July 19, 2024, following a special jail inspection conducted on the same day. TCJS inspectors found Carson County Jail is in violation of one minimum jail standard under the rule about the mental disabilities/suicide prevention plan. Inspectors’ notes indicate the following:
The suicide screening forms for 15 inmates currently incarcerated were reviewed, and it was discovered that on 4 occasions, the magistrate was not notified, per instructions under Rule §273.5.
Carson County Jail’s address is 201 US Highway 60, P.O. Box 972, Panhandle, Texas 79068. The jail has a housing capacity of 50 inmates.

An Inmate at Carson County Jail Dies in 5 Hours

According to the custodial death report about an inmate who died 5 hours after being booked into Carson County Jail in August 2022, the 41-year-old man was arrested for public intoxication. After the booking that occurred at 6:02 AM, he was placed in a detox cell. He was observed at 7:45 AM, when Sheriff Tam Terry observed him standing in the cell where he had been placed.

Later, at a time that was not specified, the man was discovered to be having a seizure. Lifesaving measures were initiated, and the detainee was flown to Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo. He was pronounced deceased at 10 AM. The medical examiner’s office determined that the detainee died of acute cocaine intoxication.

Detainees in U.S. Jails Deserve Addiction Treatments that Work

In an online publication sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 60% of incarcerated individuals in the U.S. have a substance abuse disorder. Three medications for opioid use disorder have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have proven effective. The three medications that are safe, effective, and lifesaving are:

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone

Among the studies related to these medications is one that shows that people in jail who receive naltrexone, buprenorphine, or methadone are less likely to return to substance use. They are also more likely to continue with treatment after being released.

Among our jails nationwide, less than half of them offer all three FDA-recommended medications. However, a recent study showed that 96% of jails provide naloxone to staff. Naloxone is a highly effective overdose reversal drug used in cases of an opioid overdose or a suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone quickly blocks the effects of opioids, reversing an otherwise deadly overdose.

Naloxone distribution in county jails has been a growing trend at least since 2021. Local jails can request free nasal naloxone kits from community organizations throughout the U.S.

Reach Out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone for Jail Death Cases

If you suspect a loved one died in jail due to neglect or if you were previously detained in a Texas county or municipal jail and suffered a significant injury from medical neglect or abuse, seeking experienced legal help is crucial.

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we routinely handle cases involving jail neglect, inmate abuse, and custodial deaths, including jail suicides. With our extensive experience, you can trust us to provide reliable legal representation. Don’t wait—contact us anytime, 24/7, by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Michael Rosas Dies in Bexar County Jail within 26 Hours

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Forty-six-year-old Michael Rosas was booked into Bexar County Jail at 11:13 AM on July 28, 2024. Tragically, he lived for only about another 26 hours. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Rosas on August 5, 2024. The CDR reveals that Mr. Rosas had been arrested on a drug offense. He exhibited medical problems during intake, but it was noted that he did not appear to be intoxicated on drugs or alcohol.

Mr. Rosas had been placed in holding HC12. At 12:36 PM on July 29, Deputy Roberts was making an observation check and saw no movement from him. Sgt. L. Salinas was called and arrived at the cell immediately. At 12:38 PM, she initiated a code 1 blue. Medical staff were on the scene immediately, as well, and began lifesaving measures. Emergency medical services (EMS) and the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) arrived at the cell at 12:45 PM. SAFD pronounced Mr. Rosas deceased 1:04 PM with a consultation with Dr. Miramontes.

Allegations of a Jail Death Case Caused by Neglect

A 27-year-old man was incarcerated in a Minnesota jail, and his family says that he was a victim of jail medical neglect. During the short time he was in jail, his health began to fail. He was sent to an emergency room after a staff nurse found him wearing a soaked adult diaper, begging for help. But jail guards told the ER doctor that the young man was faking his condition, and he was released.

For the next two days, he couldn’t walk on his own. He allegedly became paralyzed and was neglected as he lay on the floor of his cell for six days before being found deceased. An autopsy was performed, and the medical examiner found that the detainee had died of pneumonia and brain swelling.

Justice was continually sought on behalf of the young man, and a new investigation opened up after several years. The Department of Corrections found that the jail had been guilty of routine and gross violations of the minimum jail standards for that state.

A Jail Suicide is Allegedly a Result of Jail Neglect

Jails have an obligation to take action with regard to suicide prevention. In an Ohio jail, the family of a 36-year-old man allege that jail staff demonstrated callousness, indifference, and a disregard for human decency, resulting in a tragic suicide. The man had attempted suicide a little over a month before being arrested. Family members allege that he was not protected from himself or provided with counseling or medication.

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

If you or a loved one may have been affected by jail neglect, don’t hesitate to seek seasoned legal assistance. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, our experienced team is dedicated to helping families whose loved ones have died in Texas jails, potentially due to neglect. We also encourage former Texas jail inmates dealing with serious life issues from neglect or abuse to reach out to us.

Schedule your free case review with us today via phone, text, or our online form. We are available 24/7.

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smchugh

Potter County Jail Inmate Van Houang Dies

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Van To Houang was booked into Potter County Jail on January 12, 2024. At age 58, he died of unknown causes on July 29, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Houang was swiftly filed by the Potter County Sheriff’s Department on July 30, 2024, under the direction of Sheriff Brian Thomas.

The CDR indicates that Mr. Houang was housed in High Observation single cell B-04 on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Officers reported to the duty supervisor that Mr. Houang had several trays of uneaten food in his cell. The supervisor spoke with him and offered him food and drink, but Mr. Houang did not respond. After further efforts to talk to Mr. Houang, he concluded that his interactions were not in keeping with his normal behavior.

The medical staff was contacted. After medical personnel assessed Mr. Houang’s condition, he was sent by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital. The jail was notified on July 28 that Mr. Houang’s condition continued to deteriorate, including that his kidneys were shutting down. By mid-morning on the day of his death, it was noted that Mr. Houang’s condition was not improved with dialysis or other treatments. Under a physician’s care, he was pronounced deceased at 5:10 PM.

The address of Potter County Jail is 13100 NE 29th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79111. The jail’s bed capacity is 576.

Statistics on Medical Neglect in U.S. Jails

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) reports every year that most complaints against the state’s jails are related to healthcare. Texas isn’t the only place where there is overall dissatisfaction with the medical care provided in jails. A nationwide survey revealed that 68% of individuals in local jails suffering from a continual medical problem had not undergone a medical examination since being incarcerated. In addition, 25% of the inmates who suffered a serious injury while incarcerated had not received medical care. These numbers are much higher in regard to local jails compared to state and federal prisons.

Common Complaints Related to Medical Care in U.S. Jails

Ever since 1976, when the Eighth Amendment prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment was extended to include the provision of medical care for prisoners, inmates have been the only U.S. group with a constitutional right to healthcare. Despite that, complaints against the healthcare provided in jails have been a common issue.

The following are among the specific types of medical neglect inmates in U.S. jails complain about:

  • Timely care is not provided.
  • Medical staffing is inadequate.
  • Screening processes for diagnosing inmates’ medical conditions are inadequate.
  • After suffering a serious injury, inmates are not transported to a facility for medical attention.
  • Serious conditions that potentially need invasive treatment, such as cancer, are not diagnosed.

Could You Be a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jail staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all detainees under their care. If you or a loved one experienced severe injury due to jail neglect while incarcerated in a Texas jail, reach out to Law Offices of Dean Malone. With broad experience advocating for inmates’ rights, we are here to help. Do you suspect a family member died due to neglect, such as medical neglect, in a Texas jail? We have a team focused on jail death cases. With their proficient assistance, we may also be able to help you.

Don’t wait—contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form for immediate assistance in scheduling a free case review.

 

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smchugh

Paulo Medrano Dies After Booking into Fort Bend County Jail

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Paulo Esteban Medrano was booked into Fort Bend County Jail at 4:40 PM on July 2, 2024. He immediately experienced a medical emergency and was transported to Oak Bend Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased 80 minutes after going through intake. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Eric Fagan filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Medrano on July 30, 2024.

The CDR shows that at the time of intake, Mr. Medrano appeared to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. He also exhibited medical problems and was cleared by jail medics, who checked his vitals. The address of Fort Bend County Jail where Mr. Medrano was incarcerated is 1410 Richmond Pkwy, Richmond, TX 77469.

A Fourth July 2024 Death Occurs at a U.S. Jail

In a scenario that seems similar to the custodial death mentioned above, a 71-year-old detainee in a South Carolina jail died a week after going through intake. On that individual’s fourth day in the jail, he suffered a medical emergency and was taken to a hospital. The hospital staff informed the jail on the man’s sixth day of being in the jail’s custody that he was acutely ill, having gone into cardiac arrest. He was pronounced deceased on July 28, 2024.

It was the third jail death at that detention center in a week. A 25-year-old was pronounced deceased on Monday, July 22, and a 54-year-old died in the jail’s custody the next day. Both were drug-related tragedies, as was the death of a detainee who was found unresponsive in his cell at that same detention center on July 9.

Do Jails Have a Duty to Prevent Inmate Deaths?

Jails have responsibility for the detainees in their charge. Reasonable care must be taken so that jail suicides are prevented when at all possible. Suicides are the leading cause of death in county and municipal jails. This is a well-known fact, and jails must take preventative actions. In the face of grim jail suicide statistics, experts often claim that jail suicides are practically 100% preventable.

When drug deaths occur after detainees have been in jail for some time, it is evidence that dangerous substances are being smuggled into these facilities. Since the introduction of fentanyl, taking illicit drugs has become far more dangerous than ever before. Studies show that almost every illicit substance exchanged in drug deals these days is laced with fentanyl, which is deadly to the extreme. Fentanyl powder can get on a person’s skin and rapidly cause death.

Assistance with Jail Neglect in the Event of a Custodial Death

If you believe a loved one has died in a Texas jail due to neglect, such as inadequate medical care, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone promptly. The sooner an investigation is started, the more effectively we can address the issue. Additionally, if you suffered a life-changing injury due to neglect while incarcerated in a Texas jail, we might be able to assist you.

Schedule a free case evaluation today. Contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Guadalupe County Jail Inmate Margaret Rooney Dies on Day 3

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Margaret Elizabeth Rooney, at age 44, was booked into Guadalupe County Jail on July 11, 2024. She died in the jail’s custody two days later. A custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Rooney was filed by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office on July 30, 2024, and it indicates that Ms. Rooney was charged with an alcohol/drug offense and was housed in multiple-occupancy medical cell 12.

On July 13 at 7:06 AM, when jail staff were making a shift change, Ms. Rooney was discovered unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased by personnel with emergency medical services (EMS) at 7:14 AM the same day.

The address of the Guadalupe County Jail is 2615 N Guadalupe St, Seguin, TX 78155. The jail has a bed capacity of 598.

Deaths by Overdose are the Third Leading Cause of Deaths in U.S. Jails

Statistics released in 2020 show that overdose is the leading cause of death among individuals recently released from prison. Another study revealed that people who were formerly in prison or jail are 40 times more likely than the general population to die from an opioid overdose. And another tragic statistic involves U.S. jails. Overdoses are the third leading cause of deaths among detainees in our nation’s county and municipal jails.

This begs the question: What responsibility do jails have to prevent overdose deaths? Various resources agree on one treatment to administer to a person who is or may be having an opioid overdose. That treatment is the opioid overdose-reversing medication naloxone. It is also known by other names, and Narcan® is among them. Narcan blocks the brain’s opioid receptors, which can reverse an opioid-related overdose.

Many jails keep naloxone handy, and it saves many lives. But, at least in Texas, current requirements for jails do not include specific protocols for opioid overdoses.

The Danger of Overdose Deaths While in Jail and After Leaving Jail

Many U.S. jails provide people known to have a drug problem with Narcan as they are released from jail. As mentioned above, the number of people who die from an overdose after incarceration is alarming. But, oftentimes, more attention should be given to ensuring that drugs are not smuggled into jails. For instance, in December 2023 in a California jail, the staff responded to four suspected fentanyl overdoses among detainees. All four were administered Narcan, and three survived. The fourth person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A Law Firm Committed to Assisting Jail Inmates and Their Families

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are interested in providing legal support in cases of jail neglect, abuse, suicide, and jail medical neglect. Our dedicated team focuses on custodial death cases, supporting families who have lost loved ones in county or municipal jails due to potential neglect. We also advocate for former jail detainees in Texas who have suffered life-altering injuries from abuse or neglect.

Free case reviews are available, and we invite you to contact us by phone, text, or through our online form. If you or a loved one has experienced jail abuse or neglect, contact us today. We are available 24/7.

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smchugh

Angelina County Jail Inmate Michael Stolich Dies in 36 Hours

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Michael Allen Stolich was booked into Angelina County Jail at 11:06 PM on July 21, 2024. Tragically, Mr. Stolich died approximately 36 hours later. He was only 46 years old, and he had been housed in a detox cell. The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Constable Thomas Selman promptly filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Stolich on July 26, 2024.

Mr. Stolich was arrested on an alcohol/drug offense, and the intake officer indicated that he appeared to be intoxicated at the time he entered the jail. The CDR shows that the means of death of Mr. Stolich was a drug overdose, though the results of an autopsy are pending.

The address of Angelina County Jail where Mr. Stolich was incarcerated is 2311 E. Lufkin Ave., Lufkin TX 75901.

Allegedly Intoxicated from Methamphetamine

In the summary of how Mr. Stolich’s death occurred, it is alleged that he was intoxicated by methamphetamine. After the completion of the intake process at Angelina County Jail, Mr. Stolich was placed in a detox cell. For the next 36 hours, he remained in that cell. He was observed fidgeting, often lying down, and also moving around. Mr. Stolich exhibited unusual behavior, such as having hallucinations and “tweaking” the entire time he was in the jail.

On the morning of July 23, 2024, before Mr. Stolich died, a nurse saw him and was able to communicate somewhat coherently. He was under observation every 10 minutes, which is the jail’s protocol for detox cells. At 11:19 AM, an officer discovered that he was lying on his stomach in what appeared to be an odd position. Lifesaving measures began, which included a nurse administering Naloxone (Narcan) to Mr. Stolich. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was also used, but it failed to restore a pulse. A detailed account of the efforts to revive Mr. Stolich includes him being transported by ambulance to a local hospital. There, he was pronounced deceased at 11:45 AM.

What is Meant by “Tweaking”?

Officers wrote about tweaking in the CDR about Mr. Stolich, which implies they are familiar with the term. It basically means that an individual is demonstrating that he or she is experiencing a critical phase in the cycle of stimulants such as methamphetamine or amphetamine. Among the distinct behavioral patterns associated with tweaking are:
• Heightened agitation, restlessness, and exhibiting extreme energy levels.
• Eventually, a person becomes utterly exhausted, despite previous evidence of boundless energy.

If a person who is overdosing on methamphetamine is administered Narcan early enough, it will usually save their life.

Seeking Justice for Deaths Due to Jail Neglect

Incarceration does not strip individuals of their civil rights. If you believe your loved one passed away in a Texas jail due to medical neglect, reach out to the Law Offices of Dean Malone immediately. As part of our commitment to fight for justice, we have a devoted team focused on cases involving custodial deaths. We also advocate for former detainees who have sustained life-altering injuries while in jail. Contact us any time via phone, text, or through our online form. We are dedicated to inmates’ basic human  rights and respond 24/7.

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smchugh
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