Category: Medical Care

The Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office, in Bay City, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Reyes Vargas, Jr. Mr. Vargas was only 23 years old at the time of his death. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“Decedent, Reyes Vargas, was in a single cell in F Tank in the Matagorda County Jail in Bay City, Texas. On 08/26/2023 around 1600 hours decedent was found hanging by his bed sheet in his cell. Jailers cut decedent down and started CPR. An ambulance was called and decedent was transported to the local hospital with CPR in progress. Life saving efforts at the hospital were unsuccessful and the decedent was pronounced dead at 1656 hours. Texas Rangers were contacted and are investigating the incident.”

The report further notes that Mr. Vargas allegedly did not exhibit any mental health problems and did not make suicidal statements.

The United States Constitution requires jails to protect suicidal inmates from those suicidal tendencies.  If jailers, medical personnel, and/or mental health personnel in a Texas county jail are deliberately indifferent to a person’s known suicidal tendencies, and the person dies as a result, then certain surviving family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect and abuse law firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) has recently listed Llano County Jail in Texas as a Non-Compliant Jail on the TCJS website. A Notice of Non-Compliance was issued on July 10, 2023. It specifies the minimum jail standard the jail was cited for in a special jail inspection report also issued on July 10, 2023. A TCJS inspector alleges that the Llano, Texas, jail violated 1 minimum jail standard.

The address of Llano County Jail is 2001 TX-16 A, Llano, TX 78643. The jail has a housing capacity of 54 inmates. Details on alleged noncompliance follow.

Rule §275.1 – Regular Observation by Jailers

Llano County Jail has been cited for violating Rule §275.1, which states that every facility shall have the appropriate number of jailers at the facility 24 hours each day. Facilities shall have an established procedure for documented, face-to-face observation of all inmates by jailers no less than once every 60 minutes. Observation shall be performed at least every 30 minutes in areas where inmates known to be assaultive, potentially suicidal, mentally ill, or who have demonstrated bizarre behavior are confined. The following are the notes that the TCJS inspector made about noncompliance of Llano County Jail:

• A review of documentation and video received after a custodial death revealed that while jailers made observation rounds, the jailers did not view the inmate face-to-face as required by minimum jail standards.

The custodial death report for the detainee at Llano County Jail that is likely the death indicated in this special jail inspection report shows that the detainee “appeared to have died from self-inflicted suicide/hanging.”

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) currently lists Clay County Jail in Texas as a Non-Compliant Jail on the TCJS website. A Notice of Non-Compliance was issued on August 10, 2023. It specifies the minimum jail standard the jail was cited for in a jail inspection report issued on the same day. TCJS inspectors allege that the Henrietta, Texas, jail violated 1 minimum jail standard.

The address of Clay County Jail is 215 West Gilbert Street, Henrietta, TX, 76365. The jail has a housing capacity of 38 inmates. Details on alleged noncompliance follow.

Rule §273.3-Health Instructions

Clay County Jail was found to be non-compliant with the following rule in the chapter on Health Services. Rule §273.3-Health Instructions states: All medical instructions of designated physicians shall be followed. TCJS Inspector’s notes are below.

• Medication was not administered as designated by a physician due to the provider running out with no backup pharmacy established to provide the required medications. The missed medication error rate is that out of 30 entries, there were 76 errors equaling a 25.3% compliance rate for medication not distributed.

The failure to administer needed medications to detainees can be a serious and sometimes deadly matter.  

Clay County Jail was Found Noncompliant in 2019 After a Custodial Death Occurred There

Clay County Jail was also found noncompliant after a special jail inspection on October 9, 2019. Allegedly, Clay County Jail violated Rule §275.1-Regular Observation by Jailers. The inspector’s notes with regard to that violation follow, and they pertain to activities surrounding a custodial death that occurred at the Clay County Jail:

• After reviewing video and documentation in conjunction with self-reporting of facility administration, it was determined that the face-to-face observation, prior to the inmate being discovered, did not occur due to the inmate obstructing the view of the jailer by placing coverings around his bunk. Additionally, while the jailer documented that rounds were conducted within the required time period, one round was 14 minutes late, another round was 8 minutes late, and eight rounds documented as conducted did not occur at all.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, in Dallas, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Charles Thomas.  Mr. Thomas was only 41 years old at the time of his death.  We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On Wednesday August 9th, 2023 at approximately 6:50 a.m., a Dallas County Sheriff Detention Service Officer (DSO) was conducting a physical round in tank 4P10, located within the Dallas County West Tower Jail Facility, 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas 75207-4313. During this time, the DSO reported observing Dallas County Inmate Charles Korey Thomas B/M XX-XX-1981 (Decedent) Booking Number XXXXXXXX unresponsive within his single cell (G). Medical assistance was requested. Parkland Jail Health Medical Staff Members and Dallas Fire Rescue personnel responded to the Decedent’s Cell. At 7:19 a.m., Dallas Fire Rescue personnel (J. Knickerbocker) Pronounced the Decedent as deceased and did not transport due to signs of death (post-mortem lividity/rigor mortis). On Thursday August 10th, 2023 an autopsy was performed by Medical Examiner with the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office. the results of the examination are currently pending. Addressing question 19: The Decedent was found unresponsive within a single cell which was also located within a multiple occupancy tank where inmates could meet. DSO SVC #23-045094 Dallas County Medical Examiner ISF #23-15324.”

Oddly, in response to the questions whether Mr. Thomas appeared intoxicated, made suicidal statements, or exhibited any medical problems, Dallas County responded, “unknown.”

The United States Constitution requires Texas jails to provide reasonable medical and mental health care to detainees. If a detainee in a Texas jail dies as a result of a failure to provide medical care, then certain surviving family members may be able to bring a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas constitutional rights law firm is litigating a number of such cases across Texas, including one case against Dallas County.

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, in San Antonio, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Kevin Arballo. Mr. Arballo was only 33 years old. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On August 5, 2023, an observation check was conducted in unit 2C by the unit Deputy, Cpl. J. Mendoza #1619. Approximately 11 minutes after the check was completed, the unit officer was informed, by Inmate Julio Lopez #XXXXXXX, an inmate was sleeping in the restroom. The unit officer went to the restroom and observed Inmate Arballo, Kevin #XXXXXXX sitting on top of the toilet. The unit officer attempted to wake Inmate Arballo and when he received no response, Cpl. Mendoza checked the inmate and found no pulse. A Code 1 (Medical Assistance Required) was initiated, at approximately 1558 hours. Deputy M. Rios #4505 arrived in the unit, along with the first aid kit and the AED (not used). A dose of NARCAN was administered to Inmate Arballo, in his right nostril. Medical Personnel began arriving (MA B. Zimmers) and visually evaluated Inmate Arballo. It was determined by MA Zimmers a Code 1 Blue (Immediate Medical Emergency) was required and the Code 1 Blue was initiated at approximately 1600 hrs. Additional medical Personnel arrived (LVN T. Macias) and assisted with the relocation of Inmate Arballo to the floor, where CPR was initiated. While the chest compressions were underway, MA Zimmers used the AED in attempts to resuscitate Inmate Arballo. At approximately 1615 hrs, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) arrived to assist with life saving measures. Inmate Arballo was pronounced deceased by SAFD, through consultation with Dr. Miramontes, at 1633 hours.”

The report further indicates the medical cause of death as, “Probable endocarditis with sepsis and pneumonia.” No further information is given regarding whether Mr. Arballo was receiving medical treatment prior to this death. 

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right of pre-trial detainees to receive medical care. If arresting officers and/or jailers fail to provide reasonable medical care, and a person dies as a result, then family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect and abuse law firm is handling such cases across Texas.

Leslie Joron Thackston was booked into Dallas County Jail in Dallas, Texas. The information that summarizes how her death occurred provides no details about what happened on the day of her death to prompt a call for emergency medical services. She was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital (PMH) with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in progress. Dr. Sarah Wells pronounced Ms. Thackston deceased at 7:44 AM on July 18, 2023.

Can Noncompliance of Jails Affect Incidents of Suicide? Continued

At Red River County Jail in Clarksville, Texas, detainee Christopher Wayne Cabler hung himself. The jail’s records showed that before his suicide occurredy on May 5, 2019, Cabler had cut himself and swallowed a razor blade during a previous stay at the jail in January 2019.

The special jail inspection showed that Red River County Jail was in violation of the following minimum jail standard, which is about identifying potentially suicidal inmates:

Rule §273.5(a)(s)-Identification

The rule states jails should follow the procedures for intake screening to identify detainees who are known to be or observed to be mentally disabled or potentially suicidal and also procedures for compliance with Code of Criminal Procedure Article 16.22 and referrals to available mental health officials.

• The TCJS Inspector, Wendy Wisneski, indicates that no documentation was to submitted to prove that a referral was made to a mental health official as required on the Screening Form for Suicide and Mental/Medical/Developmental Impairments. The magistrate was notified; however, the magistrate notification form was filled out incorrectly and did not advise the magistrate of the indicators documented on the mental health screening form nor was the CCQ match reported as required by Article 16.22 of the CCP.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and this continuing series.

Helping Texas inmates housed in county and municipal jails and their families is among the purposes of this website. It is never intended on this site to implicate individuals or institutions in acts of wrongdoing.

–Guest Contributor

The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, in Corpus Christi, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Texas Surratt. Mr. Surratt was 58 years old at the time of his death. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On July 24, 2023, at approximately 1026 a signal 35U (medical emergency) was called in the Intake Area. Officers were attempting to move Texas Surrat from holding cell when they observed he was pale, his skin was cold to touch, and he was not following verbal commands. Officers called for LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) to examine Mr. Surratt. Upon entering the cell Nurse Japheth Fernandez attempted to obtain a temperature on Mr. Surratt and received a “LO” reading. Nurse Fernandez asked for a wheelchair in order to move Mr. Surratt to the Intake Medical Station. While wheeling him out of the cell medical staff attempted to obtain a blood pressure but were unsuccessful. Mr. Surratt had a very faint pulse and at that time RN (Registered Nurse) Normajean Bullard, who began assisting Nurse Fernandez directed Officers to place Inmate Surratt on his back and onto the floor. Nurse Fernandez then began administering CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) was retrieved and pads were placed onto Inmate Surratt’s chest, but did not call for “shock” to be used. EMS (Emergency Medical Services) was called, and additional medical staff arrived to assist Nurses Fernandez and Bullard. Mr. Surratt was reportedly making sounds and swatting away at Nurses as they attempted to place an oxygen mask over his nose and mouth. EMS arrived at the facility at approximately 1033 and charge of the scene. After assessing Mr. Surratt and administering aid, he was placed onto the stretcher and loaded into the awaiting ambulance, which departed the facility at approximately 1051 to Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital Emergency Room. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Texas Surratt was pronounced dead at 1108. At that time Nueces County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Cynthia Garza with the Criminal Investigative Division and Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Ranger Max Honesto were notified. The cause of death is unknown at this time pending the results of the autopsy.”

The report further notes that Mr. Surratt did not appear intoxicated (alcohol or drugs) and did not exhibit any medical problems.

The 14^th Amendment of the United States Constitution requires Texas jails to provide reasonable medical care to detainees. If jails fail to do so, and a person dies as a result, then certain family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect and abuse law firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office, in Decatur, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Raymond Harold Martinez. Mr. Martinez was 70 years old at the time of his death. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On 07-17-2023, Wise County Deputies were dispatched to Wise County Adult Probation for a warrant service on Raymond Harold Martinez. Martinez was taken into custody and transported to the Wise County Jail without incident. Martinez was booked into jail without incident. During the booking process Martinez denied needing medical attention.

On 07-18-2023, Martinez’s medication was provided to the Wise County Jail.

On 07-21-2023, Martinez was found to have thrown up and soiled himself during the night. Martinez was observed by jail staff to be alert and able to take his prescribed medications. Martinez was added to the “Sick Call” list for 07-25-2023, to visit with a Nurse Practitioner.

On 07-23-2023, Martinez was moved to Holding cell #4 due to health observations and concerns with Martinez falling. Martinez’s health concerns could be more closely monitored while he was housed in the holding cell.

On 07-24-2023, Martinez was observed by jail staff to be responsive and able to take his medications without difficulty. However, Martinez soiled himself later the same day. Martinez was able to shower himself but needed help undressing and dressing. Jail staff kept Martinez in Holding cell #4 out of concern he may not be able to care for himself.

On 07-25-2023, at approximately 0625 hours, Martinez did not get up for breakfast. Jail staff checked Martinez and found him laying with his eyes open but breathing heavily. Jail staff notified the on-duty medical officer who responded to evaluate Martinez. The medical officer noted Martinez had glassy eyes and responded to attempts to communicate with him with groaning noises. Martinez’s blood pressure was found to be low. Wise County EMS was requested. Upon EMS arrival Martinez was transported to the Wise Regional Hospital Emergency Room via ambulance.

A review of the “Well-Being” cell check logs indicate Martinez was checked 178 times in holding cell #4 between 07-24-2023, at 0703 hours, and 07-25-2023, at 0643hours when Martinez was transported to the hospital. None of the 178 well-being checks were over 30 minutes apart. Only four were found to be in excess of 20 minutes. Those well-being checks were conducted approximately 24 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, and 20 minutes between well-being checks.

Due to Martinez’s apparent health condition a P.R. bond was requested. Once the P.R. bond was granted, Martinez was released from custody.

Throughout the evening Martinez’s condition deteriorated and Martinez passed away.

On 07-26-2023, Sheriff Lane Akin and Jail Administrator Dan Armstrong notified Texas Ranger Travis Dendy of Martinez’s death. Ranger Dendy responded and investigated Martinez’s death.

Ranger Dendy indicated Martinez presented at the hospital with liver failure, hepatitis C, and a GI bleed. There were no signs of trauma or foul play observed.

At the time of this report, Ranger Dendy’s report of his investigation is not complete. However, the final death certificate documenting Martinez’s death indicated the manner of death was “Natural” and the cause of death was “CIRRHOSIS OF LIVER.””

The report also indicates that Mr. Martinez was arrested for a parole violation and exhibited medical problems.

The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right of pre-trial detainees to receive reasonable medical care. If arresting officers and/or jailers fail to obtain care for a serious health issue, and a person dies as a result, then surviving family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect and abuse law firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.

The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, in Corpus Christi, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Charles Benedict. Mr. Benedict was 53 years old at the time of his death. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On 4-9-23 at approximately 0510 Inmate Charles Benedict was observed lying face down on his bunk and not responding to the unit officer. EMS was notified of the incident and the A.E.D (Automated External Defibrillator) machine was administered to Inmate Benedict and Nursing staff began compressions. Medic 1 arrived at 0520 and Medics Hartnett, Hernandez, Magellan, Brunemier and Gonzalez secured Inmate Benedict into a an automated CPR chest compression machine. Inmate Benedict was transported to Christus Spohn Shoreline.

On 04-13-23 Inmate Charles Benedict, was removed from life support at 1538 and time of death was listed as 1548. Department of Public Safety, Texas Ranger Cody Lankford was notified.”

The report further indicates that Mr. Benedict did not exhibit any mental health or medical problems and did not make suicidal statements.

The United States Constitution requires jails to protect inmates from themselves and others. If jailers violate a person’s constitutional rights, and that person dies as a result, then certain family members may be able to file a federal lawsuit. Our firm is handling such cases across Texas.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, in Dallas, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Mario Rios. Mr. Rios was 54 years old at the time of his death. We provide information we obtained from that report, and we make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone.

The summary portion of the report reads in its entirety:

“On Saturday July 22, 2023, at approximately 9:55 p.m., a Dallas County Sheriff Detention Service Officer (DSO) was conducting a physical round at the Gill-Hernandez Medical Facility tank NG01, located within the Dallas County North Tower Jail Facility, 111 W. Commerce Street, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas 75207-4313. During this time, the DSO observed Dallas County Inmate Mario Rios W/M XX/XX/1969 (Decedent) Booking Number XXXXXXXX with what appeared to be blood coming from his mouth. Medical assistance was requested. The Decedent was assigned as a Medical status inmate at the Gill-Hernandez Medical Facility located within the Dallas County North Tower Jail Facility. At approximately 9:58 p.m., Parkland Jail Health Medical Staff Members responded to the Decedent’s bedside and moments later, initiated chest compressions. At approximately 10:17 p.m., Dallas Fire Rescue personnel arrived to Rios’s bedside, they continued chest compressions, and subsequently transported the Decedent to Parkland Memorial Hospital. On Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 8:16 a.m., Parkland Memorial Medical Doctor Haley Belt pronounced Mario Rios as deceased and diagnosed him with Cardic Arrest with underlying Hemorrhagic Shock. On Monday July 24, 2023, an autopsy was performed by Medical Examiner Steve Hastings with the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office. The results of the examination are currently pending. DSO SVC #23-041501 Dallas County Medical Examiner ISF#23-14108.”

The report provides no additional information regarding any ongoing issues with Mr. Rios or whether he was receiving medical treatment. The report does indicate that Mr. Rios exhibited medical problems.

The Constitution requires Texas county jails to provide medical care to detainees. If jailers are indifferent to medical needs of a detainee, and a detainee dies as a result, then family members can possibly file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect and abuse law firm is litigating a number of such lawsuits.