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Category: Custodial Death

Howard County, Texas Jail Fails a May 2024 Jail Inspection

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Howard County Jail in Texas is currently listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. The latest non-compliance correspondence was issued on June 3, 2024, following a May 31 jail inspection. TCJS inspectors found Howard County Jail is in violation of one minimum jail standard pertaining to inmate physical exercise and recreation, which must be provided for each inmate at least 1 hour three times per week.

Howard County Jail’s address is 3611 W Hwy 80, Big Spring, TX 79720. The jail has a housing capacity of approximately 96 inmates.

A 2024 Inmate Death in Howard County Jail was Caused by Drug Toxicity

Tragically, Howard County Jail is one among many U.S. jails that have had inmate deaths associated with substance abuse. Sadly, approximately 9 hours after his arrival at Howard County Jail, a 55-year-old detainee died of acute methamphetamine intoxication. This occurred in March 2024.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), death and suffering because of withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, methamphetamine, and other substances are preventable. Yet, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, drugs and alcohol are the third leading cause of death in U.S. jails.

Statistics in a report on this topic were based on the coding used to identify how deaths in jails occurred. It was found, however, that among the deaths that occurred within 7 days of arrest for alcohol intoxication, only 18% were officially coded to indicate it involved drugs/alcohol intoxication. During the 5 years covered in the report on U.S. jail statistics, substance withdrawal was associated with 103 deaths. Sixty-six of those deaths involved alcohol, 21 involved drugs (primarily opioids), and 16 were caused by unknown substances.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Toxicity?

An estimated 10% of the criminal justice system population recently surveyed used meth or cocaine or misused stimulants at the time of the offense for which they were incarcerated. When methamphetamine is forcibly withdrawn because an individual is in jail, withdrawal reactions are quite common. Diagnosing stimulant intoxication or withdrawal requires qualified healthcare professionals.

Acute withdrawal symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. The following are among the signs and symptoms of acute meth withdrawal:

  • Increased giddiness, vigor, and a sense of enhanced mental acuity and performance
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Dehydration
  • Mental confusion
  • Lack of energy

Post-acute and protracted withdrawal symptoms from methamphetamine can include the following:

  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Drug cravings
  • Suicidal thoughts/ideation
  • Increased appetite
  • Excessive sleepiness and fatigue
  • Psychosis

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

Are you in need of legal help because you believe a loved one died in jail due to neglect? Or were you formerly detained in a Texas county or municipal jail and suffered a severe injury from medical neglect or abuse? Having legal support with broad experience in such cases is vital.

At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are dedicated to addressing cases of jail neglect, inmate abuse, and jail deaths. With our years of experience, you can rely on us for trusted legal representation. Contact us promptly. We are available 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

 

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smchugh

Juan Moreno-Hernandez Dies in Bexar County Jail

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Juan Moreno-Hernandez went through intake at Bexar County Jail on November 24, 2023. He died there at age 36 on June 24, 2024. The custodial death report (CDR) about this tragic death says that–at 6:30 a.m. on the day of his death–he was found unresponsive and face up, and his lips were bluish in color. He was in a multiple-occupancy holding cell. Lifesaving attempts were made by staff, emergency medical services, and the San Antonio Fire Department, but there was no response. He was pronounced deceased at 7:19 a.m.

The San Antonio Sheriff’s Department prepared the CDR about Mr. Moreno-Hernandez, and the report shows that his cause of death is unknown and pending an autopsy. There is also a question concerning whether the “death was an accident, homicide, or suicide, who caused the death?” The response is, “Unknown whether the decedent sustained a fatal injury.”

The address of Bexar County Jail is 200 N. Comal, San Antonio, TX 78207.
The bed capacity of the jail, which is also known as the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, is 5,200.

Concerned Organizations Unite Re Deaths at a Texas County Jail

Several community organizations recently joined forces to address deaths that have occurred in a large Texas county jail system. According to the letter sent to the Department of Justice, multiple layers of abuse, neglect, and failures of supervision and oversight have been uncovered in connection with custodial deaths at that facility. They allege that a continual pattern of medical neglect and a failure to guard the basic human rights of inmates exists, and they provide specific cases to illustrate these claims.

An Inmate in a Texas County Jail Allegedly Dies a Victim of Inadequate Medical Care

Allegedly, a 38-year-old man was subjected to being pepper-sprayed at least three times during booking into the Texas jail alluded to above. He was also handled violently, and his pleas that he could not breathe were ignored. Within an hour, he was discovered unconscious. The next day, he died with symptoms showing that his lungs were inflamed, blood was in his ears and nose, and his face and neck were swollen.

Initially, his death was ruled as natural and “due to a sickle cell crisis.” This conclusion by the county medical examiner was strenuously opposed. An outside investigation demonstrated that it was an impossibility that the inmate had sickle cell disease. A medical expert asserted that, in his opinion, the county was trying to keep the real cause of death hidden and, therefore, groped to find a reason to explain the man’s death. The CDR about this man’s death currently shows that he died of cardiac arrest.

The Law Offices of Dean Malone Can Help with Jail Medical Neglect

If a loved one has passed away while in the custody of a Texas jail and you suspect neglect or jail abuse, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal assistance. The Law Offices of Dean Malone represents the rights of jail inmates and their families, particularly in jail death cases. Our dedicated team has extensive experience in this area. Additionally, if you are a former detainee who has suffered abuse, neglect, or medical negligence while in jail and are now dealing with life-altering injuries, we encourage you to reach out to us. For a complimentary case review, you can contact us 24/7 via phone, text, or our online form.

 

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smchugh

Tarrant County Jail Detainee Chasity Bonner Dies in 11 Days

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Chasity Corday Bonner had been a detainee in Tarrant County Jail for 11 days when she was discovered unresponsive in her single cell. It was the morning of May 27, 2024, and Ms. Bonner, age 35, was transported by ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital. There, she was pronounced deceased at 12:01 pm. Ms. Bonner’s cause of death is unknown, and autopsy results are awaited.

The custodial death report (CDR) about Ms. Bonner mentions that her cause of death was the result of a pre-existing medical condition. When she was booked, whether or not she appeared intoxicated, made suicidal statements or exhibited mental health problems was all “unknown” information. However, according to the CDR, she exhibited medical problems during intake. Nothing in the report provides further insights into the type of health condition she may have suffered from.

The address of Tarrant County Jail is 100 N Lamar St, Fort Worth, TX 76196. The bed capacity of Tarrant County Jail, which includes five facilities, is 5,000.

A Detainee at Tarrant County Jail Dies of Complications of Dehydration

Drinking fluids is a simple way to prevent dehydration. It is shocking to know that, in 2022, the cause of death of a detainee in a Fort Worth jail in Tarrant County Jail was “complications of dehydration.” The 40-year-old man was in jail on three misdemeanors. He was in the hospital/infirmary and had been incarcerated for about 73 days when a pod officer called a medical emergency on his behalf. He was transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased the following day.

A Georgia County Jail Inmate Dies Due to Severe Dehydration

A U.S. county jail in Georgia faced scrutiny after a detainee died 9 days after being admitted. An autopsy revealed that the man had blood clots in his lungs, and severe dehydration was the cause. After further investigation, it was revealed that the mental state and physical decline of the man was caused by a combination of circumstances. The medical, mental health, and jail staff were found to have been complacent and reluctant. Assumptions were made to the detriment of the inmate as well as demonstrations of lack of training, leadership, and adherences to policy and procedures.

A grand jury found the tragic death to have been preventable. However, no evidence was found to show that his death was caused criminally or intentionally. Neither could it be shown that water was purposely withheld from the inmate or that signs of physical distress were consciously ignored.

Contact Law Offices of Dean Malone About Jail Neglect

If you suspect that your loved one died in a Texas jail due to neglect, it is crucial to contact an attorney with extensive experience in representing families in custodial death cases. Attorney Dean Malone and his dedicated team assist families facing this tragic situation. We also aim to support former Texas county and municipal jail detainees who have suffered abuse or neglect, resulting in life-altering injuries.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free case review. Contact us 24/7 by calling, texting, or filling out our online form.

 

 

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smchugh

Hidalgo County Jail Inmate Juan Guerra Dies

Silhouette of barbed wires and watchtower of prison.

Juan Andres Guerra was booked into Hidalgo County Jail in Edinburg, Texas, on March 18, 2024. Approximately 3 months later, on June 24, he died in the jail’s custody. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Guerra on the same day. The CDR shows that at 12:45 am that day, he was discovered unresponsive in his bunk in the jail infirmary. After lifesaving efforts began, he was transported to the Edinburg Regional Medical Center, which was the location of the pronouncement of his death.

Jail medical records show that Mr. Guerra had been suffering from high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. A Justice of the Peace ordered that an autopsy be performed. Mr. Guerra was only 58 years old at the time of his death.

Hidalgo County Jail aka Hidalgo County Detention Center is at 701 El Cibolo Road in Edinburg, TX 78541. The jail’s bed capacity is 1,232.

A County Jail is Questioned About Possible Medical Neglect After an Inmate’s Death

For two days, a detainee in a U.S. county jail did not receive his daily anti-rejection medication, which was required because his heart was rejecting his new organ from a heart transplant. The man was released from the jail’s custody, and he died three days later. According to a private pathologist hired by the family of the deceased, his death resulted from his body rejecting the heart. However, the pathologist did not make a statement to confirm or deny that the two days in jail without his medications contributed to his death.

In the state where this man died, public agencies are prohibited from signing contracts with companies convicted of a public entity crime. Considering this, investigations into this recent incident led to an alarming discovery. The third-party medical provider involved in this case had failed to report to the state that after an inmate had died in late 2022 in another state, the company was convicted of a public entity crime in connection with the death.

Records show that the same medical provider, between 2005 and 2018, has been sued at least 370 times in federal courts. The accusations made against the company include wrongful death, medical malpractice, and employment issues. In the six years since the medical provider has been at the county jail where the man did not receive his anti-rejection medication, the jail saw a 71% increase in custodial deaths compared to the seven years prior to their contract.

Help for Jail Neglect Victims is Available

Detainees in Texas county jails have a right to receive necessary medical, mental, and dental care. Every year, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) receives more complaints about medical care than any other issue. TCJS is responsible for establishing minimum jail standards and ensuring that jails aren’t violating those standards.

Jails can be held accountable for violating inmate rights. If your loved one died while incarcerated in a county or municipal Texas jail and you think jail neglect of some kind may have been involved, don’t hesitate to act. The Law Offices of Dean Malone has years of experience fighting for inmates’ rights. We have a team of experts working together to represent families in jail death cases. We would also like to hear from you if you were incarcerated in a jail and, while there, suffered a life-altering injury because of jail abuse or neglect.

Contact us today. We are available 24/7, whether you call, text, or fill out our online form.

 

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smchugh

Polk County Jail is Cited by TCJS for Non-Compliance

Front of Jail Cell

After an annual jail inspection at Polk County Jail on May 20, 2024, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the Burnet, Texas, jail a notice of non-compliance. TCJS inspectors found that Polk County Jail violated three minimum jail standards. Two of the standards violated involved supervision. Inmates in restraints are supposed to be observed face-to-face every 15 minutes, but the observations exceeded the quarter-hour requirement by 20 to 45 minutes. In addition, a TCJS inspector discovered in staffing records that the minimum standard of 1 jailer to 48 detainees was unmet.

The address of Polk County Jail is 1601 East Polk Street in Burnet, Texas 78611. Polk County Jail has an inmate capacity of 587.

How Might Breaches in Supervision Harm Detainees?

It’s easy to conclude that the supervision of detainees in jails is a critical issue. All that’s needed is to consider the many minimum jail standards requiring the strict supervision of inmates. In recent months and years, after several Texas jail deaths and follow-up jail inspections occurred, it was discovered that some of the deceased inmates had not been observed as required in the hours leading up to their deaths. The following is an example:

  • A special jail inspection at Moore County Jail in Dumas, Texas, revealed that before the 2022 custodial death of an inmate occurred, the deceased had not been observed on multiple occasions over several hours before his death. He had been in a holding cell, where observations were required in increments not to exceed every 30 minutes.

Supervision and Jail Suicides

Suicide is a critical issue for county and municipal jails because it is the leading cause of death among inmates. One of the questions to be determined as detainees are booked into a jail is whether he or she is suicidal. The first two weeks in jail are known to be the timeframe in which most suicides take place. However, due to the nature of the jail environment, jailers are trained to remember that all detainees are at risk for a suicide attempt at any given time.

Supervision is recognized as the most effective deterrent to suicide. So, when jails fail to provide required supervision, it is a cause for concern. The following happened in 2023:

  • After a custodial suicide occurred in one of the largest Texas county jails, it was discovered that the deceased had been unobserved for 88 minutes before being discovered hanging. Altogether, he had been in the jail for less than 5 hours when he was pronounced deceased.

Has a Loved One Died in Jail and You Suspect Jail Medical Neglect?

Don’t hesitate to call the Law Offices of Dean Malone if you suspect that a loved one who was in the custody of a Texas jail died due to jail neglect. In jail death cases, it helps to begin investigations as soon as possible. Our team dedicated to jail death cases is working on several tragic deaths now that involve possible jail neglect. We might also be able to help if you were formerly detained in a local Texas jail and suffered life-altering injuries. Contact us today for your free case review. We are available 24/7, whether you want to reach out via phone, text, or our online form.

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smchugh

Baylor County Jail is Cited for Non-Compliance

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On May 28, 2024, Baylor County Jail in Seymour, Texas, underwent its annual jail inspection. Two days later, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent a notice of non-compliance to the jail. Baylor County Jail was cited for allegedly violating 3 minimum jail standards. Texas jails are rarely cited for the first of the three rule violations, and all are shown below.

According to TCJS inspectors, Baylor County Jail is using cells at the county courthouse to temporarily house inmates waiting to transfer to other counties. In the non-compliance notice, it states that the jail shall immediately cease using court-holding cells for new detainees. In another section about holding cells, the jail is cited for placing detainees in cells at the courthouse in which the toilet/lavatory combo had been removed due to corrosion.

Thirdly, it was discovered that the last official fire inspection was conducted in February 2022, making it 15 months late. A similar situation happened in April 2017, when it was discovered that the last fire prevention inspection was conducted in December 2015.

The address of Baylor County Jail is 101 South Washington Street, Seymour, Texas 76380. Baylor County Jail has an inmate capacity of 111.

Are Custodial Deaths in County Jails Common?

A watchdog group, Texas Justice Initiative (TJI), has statistics on all custodial deaths in Texas since 2005 when the vital information started being made available. TJI shows that there have been 1,937 deaths in county jails since that time.

There have been significant increases since 2021. The average number of detainee deaths per year in Texas counties was 92 through 2020. With just the figures from the past three years, the average number of inmate deaths from 2005 to 2023 jumps to 102 per year. Only three years through 2020 saw 100 or more custodial deaths. But in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, 160, 150, and 150 deaths were reported.

What is the Most Common Cause of County Jail Deaths?

In Texas county jails, the most common cause of detainee deaths is suicide. Of the 419 incidents of suicide since 2005, 90% of them were carried out by means of hanging/strangulation. Jails are required to implement suicide prevention plans.

Are You Seeking Help Regarding Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being placed in a county or municipal jail does not mean that an individual has lost fundamental rights. Jails should be held responsible when they abuse detainees or fail to provide necessary medical attention.

Have you lost a loved one who was held in a local Texas jail, and do you suspect the death was caused by neglect? Or were you previously incarcerated in a county or municipal jail and suffered life-altering injuries as a result of neglect? We are interested in helping in either of these scenarios. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we have an experienced team dedicated to custodial death cases. Our years of experience help in providing diligent representation.

Call us 24/7 by phone, text, or our online form to schedule your free case review.

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smchugh

Steven Hildebrand Died the Day He Entered Howard County Jail

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Steven Glen Hildebrand was booked into Howard County Jail in Big Springs, Texas, at 10:15 a.m. on March 10, 2024. He died on the same day approximately 9 hours later at 7:00 p.m. The custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Hildebrand was due to be filed within 30 days. However, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office filed the CDR on June 6, 2024. Mr. Hildebrand’s medical cause of death is shown as acute methamphetamine intoxication.

There is No Mention That Steven Hildebrand Was Given Medical Attention

In the summary of how Mr. Hildebrand’s death occurred, it states that detention officers were unable to get answers to the intake questionnaires from him successfully. He was placed in detox cell 143 at 10:33 a.m. Mr. Hildebrand, according to the CDR, was not given medical attention, though he was seen rolling around and slapping the floor and sometimes on his knees or his feet—all the while grunting. This behavior was observed through “the duration of shifts.”

At 7:07 p.m. Officer Valentin Garcia noticed that Mr. Hildebrand was no longer moving. Officer Raul Guerra was called over to assist and confirm Officer Garcia’s observation. Next, they entered the cell and tried to get Mr. Hildebrand to respond, but he was unresponsive. They “notified chain” and cardiopulmonary resuscitation began and continued until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene. It was established that Mr. Hildebrand was deceased, and the scene was secured. Mr. Hildebrand was only 55 years old.

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

When Inmates Experience a Drug Overdose or Alcohol Withdrawal, Can They Be Saved?

Overdose deaths have been occurring in the U.S. in record-breaking numbers in recent years, including in jails. In 2021, more than 100,000 people died from opioids and other drugs. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) can often save individuals experiencing an overdose. NARCAN® is a nasal spray that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. If administered quickly enough, it revives someone during an overdose of many pain medications and street drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl.

Certain treatments, if administered, can save detainees in local jails. CPR alone could save many lives. Tragically, inmates experiencing a drug overdose are sometimes victims of jail medical neglect. There have been times when detainees going through alcohol withdrawal were severely dehydrated and would have survived with nothing more than an intravenous line (IV) supplying fluids, but the fluids weren’t provided.

Contact The Law Offices of Dean Malone About Jail Neglect Resulting in a Death

Suppose you suspect that your loved one died in a Texas jail because of jail neglect. In that case, contacting an attorney with years of experience representing families in custodial death cases is important. Attorney Dean Malone works with a team in his law office dedicated to helping families in that tragic situation. We also hope to help former Texas county and municipal jail detainees who suffered abuse or neglect to the extent that they are, as a result, suffering life-altering injuries.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  It is best to begin investigations as soon as possible. Contact us 24/7 via phone call, text, or our online form for a free case review.

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smchugh

Grayson County Jail Detainee James P. Brown Dies

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James Paul Brown was 51 years old when he was booked into Grayson County Jail on April 10, 2024. The custodial death report (CDR) that the Grayson County Sheriff’s Department filed about Mr. Brown on May 23, 2024, indicates that he appeared intoxicated on drugs or alcohol when he went through intake. There is also an indication that Mr. Brown received medical treatment for the medical condition that caused his death 16 days after he arrived at the jail on 200 South Crockett Street in Sherman, Texas 75090. However, the cause of his death is unknown.

Mr. Brown was discovered moaning and in a lethargic state at 5:58 am on the day of his death. He had to communicate using hand gestures. He was transported to Sherman Medical Center, where he was under emergency room (ER) supervision until being moved to room 298. Hospital staff found Mr. Brown in an unresponsive state at 11:13 am. Lifesaving measures began, but he could not be revived. Mr. Brown was pronounced deceased at 11:41 am on April 25, 2024.

The Death of Another Grayson County Jail Detainee

It was two years ago, almost exactly to the day, that a 63-year-old detainee died after incarceration in Grayson County Jail. The woman entered the jail at 10:06 pm on April 20, 2022, and was pronounced deceased less than 51 hours later at 12:30 am on April 23. Between her arrival and her death, fellow inmates informed jail staff, including medical staff, that the deceased had said she swallowed drugs just before being arrested.

The inmates had called for the medical staff at 5:15 am on April 22 because the woman was vomiting blood. The medical staff discovered that she was unresponsive, and they transferred her to a local hospital via ambulance.

What If Jails Don’t Provide Medical Treatments for Overdoses?

A watchdog publication has suggested in various articles that many deaths in U.S. jails are the result of jail medical neglect. A woman who was booked into an Alabama jail, for example, died 14 hours after her arrival. A coroner ruled that an apparent multiple drug overdose caused her death. Experts say that her life may have been saved if various treatments had been applied. The drug Naloxone counters methadone, for example. Other potential lifesaving treatments include intubation, ventilation, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Are You Possibly a Victim of Jail Neglect?

Jails have responsibilities toward all detainees placed in the care of the jail staff. If you were an inmate in a Texas jail and suffered life-altering injuries due to jail neglect, such as medical neglect, contact Law Offices of Dean Malone. We have been fighting for inmates’ rights, gaining years of experience. If you are a family member of an inmate in a Texas jail who you think died because of jail neglect, such as medical neglect, we may be able to help you, as well. We have a team that works almost exclusively on jail death cases.

Contact us as soon as possible. We are available 24/7, whether you call, text, or fill out our online form.

 

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smchugh

Edwards County Jail Fails to Make Timely Checks on Inmates in Detox

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On April 25, 2024, a special jail inspection was conducted at Edwards County Jail in Rocksprings, Texas. Subsequently, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent the jail a notice of non-compliance. Edwards County was cited for allegedly violating 2 minimum jail standards. One revealed that a fire official had last inspected the facility on December 5, 2021, though such inspections are required annually. The supervision of inmates was the other area of non-compliance. Rather than checking inmates in detox and holding cells every 30 minutes, as required, the jail staff routinely conducted them in 45-minute intervals.

The address of Edwards County Jail is 404 West Austin Street in Rocksprings, Texas 78880. Edwards County Jail has an inmate capacity of 25.

The Denial of Medical Care for Inmates in Detox

Tragically, local jail detainees in withdrawal often die within hours or days of their incarceration due to the denial of medical care. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) published a brief about managing substance withdrawal in jails, and it includes examples of alleged wrongful deaths, as follows:

  • A woman going through opiate withdrawal while in a county jail in Washington state died from severe electrolyte imbalance. It was found to be a genuine issue of material fact that the jail failed to adhere to a policy for treating detainees undergoing opioid withdrawal.
  • A woman jailed in a state outside Texas exhibited profound physical distress from the time she was booked into a Utah county jail. She also begged for medical attention from the start. Yet, no help was provided, and she died after 3.5 days. For many inmates experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal, the jail allegedly failed to perform the required withdrawal protocol assessments. An investigation uncovered a far-reaching accepted, customary, and cultural practice of ignoring symptoms exhibited by inmates in withdrawal as well as their health complaints. It was also found that the jail often failed to perform the required withdrawal protocol assessments for numerous inmates.
  • Another woman lived 2.5 days after going through intake in a Georgia county jail. The jail denied the woman access to prescribed medications, including oxycodone. Her symptoms before dying (diarrhea, nausea, and fever) were consistent with acute benzodiazepine withdrawal, though the cause of death was ruled hypertensive cardiovascular disease. It was discovered that a jailer who had not been provided with adequate medication training was authorized to make the decision whether emergency medical attention was warranted. Prior to the woman’s tragic death, the jailer decided against providing her with medical care.

Has Jail Neglect Deprived You of the Life of a Loved One?

Investigations have shown that many individuals die unnecessarily while held in a county or municipal jail in Texas. If one of your family members was in a jail when he or she died and you believe there is evidence of jail medical neglect, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. For years, we’ve made it a practice to represent families of deceased inmates and people who were formerly incarcerated and suffered a life-altering injury due to jail neglect while there. Reach out 24/7 by calling, texting, or filling out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.

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smchugh

Milton Kaiser Dies in DeWitt County, Texas Jail

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Milton Wilson Kaiser III was only 34 years old when he was booked into Dewitt County Jail at 8:50 PM on April 12, 2024. Tragically, he was pronounced deceased less than 32 hours later on April 14, 2024. The Dewitt County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Chief Deputy John Garoni filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Kaiser on April 30, 2024. The CDR indicates that, during intake, Mr. Kaiser appeared to be intoxicated with drugs or alcohol.

In the summary of how the death occurred, a jailer discovered Mr. Kaiser without a pulse on the floor of his cell. He was stiff and cold. His right arm was extended upwards and his fist was closed. Within minutes, he was pronounced deceased in the holding cell where he had been temporarily housed.

The Dewitt County Jail facility where Mr. Kaiser was placed is at 208 East Live Oak Street Suite C in Cuero, TX 77954. The bed capacity of the Cuero jail is 161.

What are the Symptoms of Severe Withdrawal Resulting in Death?

Deaths from withdrawal are preventable. Tragically, there are many occasions when detainees in local jails appear to have died from withdrawal within hours of being booked. In every instance, according to medical experts, withdrawal death can be prevented by providing appropriate treatment. Due to the symptoms of withdrawal, coroners usually list dehydration as the cause of death.

In a 2015 withdrawal death in a state outside Texas, the coroner ruled that the cause of the dehydration death of a 25-year-old man was “drug withdrawal.” The following are among the symptoms that the man exhibited, including severe withdrawal, as seen in video evidence:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood pressure
  • Too dehydrated to provide a urine sample
  • No longer able to walk
  • No longer able to unclench his fingers
  • He fell to the ground, trembling

The detainee begged for an IV, saying he knew from a previous detox that withdrawing from the combination of drugs in his system was especially risky. Those drugs were heroin and Xanax, an opioid and benzodiazepine, respectively.

In answer to his request, he was allegedly told that IVs were only used when it was an absolute necessity. He lived only six hours longer. A nurse for the third-party healthcare provider said it was certainly not the policy for them to deny patients indicated, appropriate treatment. Yet, it is considered almost certain that his life could have been saved with a simple IV.

Has a Family Member Died in Jail From Possible Jail Neglect?

It is always important to work with attorneys who concentrate on the type of case you need help with. If you think a family member in a Texas jail died due to neglect, contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone. We may also be able to help if you were severely injured during incarceration in a Texas jail. We have gained years of experience representing inmates and, when there has been a custodial death, the interests of their families.

Contact us today. You can schedule a free case evaluation 24/7 by phone call, text, or our online form.

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smchugh
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