Category: Medical Care

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. 

The Comal County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report with the Office of the Attorney General about Ronald Tracy Bush on July 31, 2023. Mr. Bush died of “numerous medical issues,” per the CDR, on July 11, 2023. He was 53 years old and still in the jail’s custody when he was pronounced deceased at the Resolute Hospital.

A Former County Sheriff is Caught on Camera Misusing a Restraint Chair

There are specific rules for using a restraint chair in Texas counties. A county sheriff in Texas has admitted behavior that was well beyond the scope of minimum jail standards. He admitted to punching a detainee repeatedly in the chest using a taser with the trigger held down. He also admits that the inmate did not pose a threat at that time.

When detainees are placed in restraints, they are supposed to choose a type of restraint that restricts movement only to the level needed. When the restraint chair is used, it is supposed to be only in cases where no other type of restraint would be appropriate.

Studies have shown a pattern of abuse in connection with restraint chairs. They are often kept in the device so long without relief, detainees are forced to relieve themselves while helplessly strapped in the chair. Tasers are often used on detainees in restraint chairs, as well.

Learn more in Part 1 and this continuing series.

This website aims to provide resources helpful to Texas inmates detained in county and municipal jails. There is never an intention of insinuating that persons or organizations have been participants in wrongdoing.

–Guest Contributor

On June 1, 2023, during the intake process at Tarrant County Jail, 39-year-old Adrian Chevez made suicidal statements. After he hung himself in his Fort Worth, Texas, cell (59-D-13-02) on June 24, 2023, a suicide note was discovered in his cell. The custodial death report (CDR) sent to the Office of the Attorney General did not indicate whether Inmate Chevez was placed in housing for potentially suicidal individuals.

How Important Is it to Train Jailers for Intake Screening?

Suicides frequently occur in the first hours of incarceration, which makes intake screening an important first step with newly admitted inmates. For intake screening to be effective, new and incoming inmates should be screened at the time of intake and again if circumstances change.

Oftentimes, there are too few mental health staff in correctional facilities. Uncomplicated indicators are needed so that prison officers can complete the screening process. When screening for suicide, staff should be adequately trained and assisted by a checklist for suicidal risk.

In the next segment, items will be listed that indicate that an inmate is at an increased risk for suicide and is in need of further intervention.

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

One of the purposes of this website is to provide helpful information of benefit to municipal and county jail inmates in Texas. Insinuating that misdeeds have occurred on the part of institutions or persons is not intended on this site.

–Guest Contributor

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Department, in Galveston, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Jeanette Marie Pruitt. Ms. Pruitt was 48 years old at the time of her death. We provide in this post 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 07/03/2023, inmate Jeanette Pruitt was discovered to be unresponsive by jail staff, who immediately began CPR and notified jail medical staff. EMS and first responders arrived shortly after and transported inmate Pruitt to the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital where she was pronounced deceased at 10:32 a.m.”

In response to questions about whether Ms. Pruitt appeared intoxicated or exhibited medical problems, Galveston County responded “Unknown.” The report provides no information regarding any preexisting medical conditions and/or any ongoing medical treatment for Ms. Pruitt.

The United States Constitution requires jailers to provide reasonable medical care to inmates. If an inmate has a serious medical condition, and jailers fail to provide medical care, and a person dies as a result, then certain family members may be able to file a federal jail neglect lawsuit. Our jail neglect law firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.

The Comal County Sheriff’s Department, in New Braunfels, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Ronald Tracy Bush. Mr. Bush was 53 years old at the time of his death. We provide in this post 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 06/08/23, Ronald Tracy Bush DOB:XX/XX/70, appeared in Comal County District Court for a hearing in case #CRXXXX-XXX. The bond in the case was increased by Judge Wright-Reneau. A Alias Capias for violation of conditions of bond – Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or more was issued and Mr. Bush was taken into custody. Mr. Bush was transported and released in the care and control of the Comal County Jail. Mr. Bush was booked into the jail with unknown preexisting health issue. While incarcerated Mr. Bush requested stool softener as he had no bowl movement for 5 days. Mr. Bush also complained of back pain/issues. On 06/14/2023, Mr. Bush had complaints of sickness and abdominal pain. Mr. Bush was transported from the jail to the Resolute Hospital emergency room and admitted. Examination revealed Mr. Bush to be suffering from diabetic keto acidosis, sepsis, high blood sugar, and low sodium. Mr. Bush was treated and transferred to the intensive care unit for further care. On 06/15/2023, Mr. Bush was placed on a ventilator due to low oxygen levels. Mr. Bush remained in care and was further treated for a urinary tract infection. On 06/16/2023, Mr. Bush was released from custody on personal recognizance (PR) bond; authorized by Judge Leonie. On 06/30/2023, a tracheotomy was placed and Mr. Bush was treated for bleeding of the liver due to cirrhosis. Mr. Bush remained in care and continued to decline. On 07/11/2023, an examination revealed Mr. Bush to be suffering from perforated bowls and emergent surgery was performed. Hospital personnel consulted with Mr. Bush’s family regarding his poor medical status and they instructed hospital personnel to place Mr. Bush on comfort measures. At approximately 8:15 pm on 07/11/23, Mr. Bush was placed on comfort measures. Death was pronounced by Nurse Practitioner Whitehawk at 9:32 pm. There is no known history of suicidal ideations or past attempts. There is no known history of drug or tobacco abuse. There is a suspected history of alcohol abuse. No signs of trauma. Foul play is not suspected. Mr. Bush is a 53-year-old Caucasian man with brown hair, brown eyes, all natural teeth, and a beard and mustache. Mr. Bush was observed lying supine on a medical bed in the intensive care unit. Mr. Bush was noted wearing a hospital gown. A medical tube was noted in place to the right nostril. A medical tube was noted in place to the neck. EKG patches were noted to the chest and abdomen. Intravenous catheters were noted to the bilateral arms. A medical identification band was noted to the left wrist, reading, “BUSH, RONALD T” and “MRN #000610069”. A medical bandage was noted to the abdomen. A skin defect was noted to the abdomen. A urinary catheter was noted in place. A skin defect was noted to the right ear. A large hole was noted to the abdomen that appeared consistent with a medical surgery. Swelling was noted to the bilateral feet. The back was unremarkable. Rigor was noted to be absent from the body. Lividity blanched with light pressure and appeared consistent with Mr. Bush’s position upon CSS arrival. Justice of the Peace Mike Rust was informed of the death and ordered a full autopsy to be completed at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.”

The report admits that Mr. Bush exhibited medical problems and requested medical treatment. However, the report provides no information regarding any medical treatment Mr. Bush was receiving prior to his transport to the Resolute Hospital emergency room. 

The United States Constitution requires Texas county jails to provide medical care to detainees. If jailers are deliberately indifferent to the medical needs of a detainee, and a detainee dies as a result, then certain surviving family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, in Dallas, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Leslie Joron Thackston. Ms. Thackston was 44 years old at the time of her death. In this post, 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 15, 2023, at approximately 9:47 p.m., Thackston, Leslie Joron B/F XX-XX-1979 (Decedent) was booked into the Dallas County Jail – Lew Sterrett Justice Center by the Dallas Police Department on the charges of Insufficient Bond Theft of Property >+$750+$750=$100<$750 Warrant #2025117. On July 18, 2023, the Decedent was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital (PMH) with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in progress. Parkland Memorial Hospital Dr. Sarah Wells pronounced the Decedent deceased at 7:44 a.m. On July 19, 2023, the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the Decedent, the results are pending.”

In response to the following questions: appear intoxicated (alcohol or drugs); make suicidal statements, exhibit any mental health problems; and exhibit any medical problems; the report, surprisingly, provides the response “Unknown.” The report also provides no information regarding what medical treatment Ms. Thackston was receiving.

The United States Constitution requires Texas jails to provide reasonable medical care and mental health care to detainees. If a detainee in a Texas jail dies because 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. 

An autopsy was performed on Jose Trinidad Barrera, who had been an inmate at Bexar County Adult Detention Center, Annex, in San Antonio, Texas when he died. His cause of death was complications of an Intraventricular Hemorrhagic Stroke. Mr. Barrera had not received treatment for that medical condition after his admission to the jail’s jurisdiction. The 60-year-old died on July 7, 2023, at St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital.

The Sweltering Heat in Texas Lockups is Inhumane

An editorial released in late July 2023 in an Austin, Texas, publication points out that animal shelters are required to ensure that temperatures get no higher than 84º F to protect the cats, dogs, and other pets from the punishing heat. Texas laws make no requirement regarding temperature regulation in jails and prisons. Currently, a majority of Texas inmates have no cooling system in their cells to provide relief from the brutal heat of summer.

According to a 2022 study by Texas A&M University, in the summertime, walls in the state’s prisons are frequently at temperatures of 100º F or more. In their efforts to cool off, inmates flood their toilets so they can lie on their floors in the water that overflows. To improve airflow, some have gone so far as to break windows.

Advocates of reform have determined that Texas inmates are dying from extreme heat. Those who suffer the most often have medical or mental conditions worsened by soaring temperatures.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this series.

One of the reasons this website was created was to provide Texas inmates in municipal and county jails and their families with helpful resources. There is no intention of making accusations against individuals or entities on this site.

–Guest Contributor

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office, in Belton, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Tyler Thomas Ross. Mr. Ross 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:

“On July 3, 2023, at approximately 7:50 pm, Tyler Thomas Ross was brought into the temporary triage area of intake and screened by jail staff. Once screened by staff, he was placed in a temporary holding cell waiting to be changed out and moved to intake for processing. Inmate Ross was found to be hanging inside the cell. A medical emergency was called and life saving measures were performed until Temple EMS arrived and took over for medical personnel. Inmate Ross was transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White emergency room and admitted.

On July 11, 2023, Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey pronounce Tyler Ross deceased at 2:56 pm and ordered an autopsy. At the time of this report, final autopsy report is still pending.”

Under the 14^th Amendment to the United States Constitution, arrestees in Texas jails have the right to receive reasonable mental health care, and to be protected from themselves and others. If a county and/or jailers violate such a person’s rights, and the person dies as a result, then certain surviving family members may be able to file a federal civil rights lawsuit. Our law firm has handled and is handling several such cases across Texas, and we have handled and are handling a number of death by suicide cases. One such prior case was against Bell County, Texas.

The Rusk County Sheriff’s Department, in Henderson, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Johnny Charles Bradley. Mr. Bradley was 61 years old at the time of his death. We provide in this post 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:

“Mr. Bradley had been in the Rusk County jail since February 15, 2023, after being indicted on two felony charges for violent conduct while armed with a handgun. Mr. Bradley was believed to be hypertensive but consistently refused medication and medical treatment. Mr. Bradley was believed to be mentally ill and was on the “Clearing House List” (#826.) Mr. Bradley had a history of mental health issues and has demonstrated behaviors suggesting that he was indeed mentally ill. On the afternoon of July 23, 2023, while in his single person cell, Mr. Bradley was found unresponsive on his bed by RCSO jail staff. CPR was administered by jail staff and an ambulance was summoned. Mr. Bradley was transported by ambulance from the RCSO jail to the emergency room at UT Health in Henderson where he was eventually pronounced deceased at 5:15 p.m. on July 23, 2023.”

The report indicates that the cause of death in Mr. Bradley’s preliminary autopsy report was cardiovascular disease/heart attack.

The 14^th Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that those incarcerated in our Texas county jails receive reasonable mental health care. If jailers or others fail to provide medical care to those in custody, and a person dies as a result, then certain surviving family members may be able to file a lawsuit. Our Texas jail abuse and neglect law firm is representing a number of families across Texas for such claims.

The situation involving Mr. Bradley unfortunately resembles the situation in far too many cases across Texas. Jails continue housing severely mentally ill people in jails rather than mental health treatment centers. This can be inhumane, depending on the circumstances, and our jails need to do better.

The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, in Fort Worth, Texas, filed a report regarding the custodial death of Adrian Chevez.  Mr. Chevez was only 39 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:

“in-custody death of Tarrant County Inmate Adrian Chevez, white male, DOB: XX/XX/1983 CID XXXXXXX, who had been house at the Tarrant County Correction Center Jail at 100 N Lamar St, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas 76196. Inmate Chevez had been in TCSO custody since 06/01/2023 on Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1, Unlawful Restraint, and Interfere with Emergency Call.

Inmate Chevez died on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at approximately 2252 hours at John Peter Smith Hospital. Inmate Chevez was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital via ambulance on June 24, 2023 after he was found hanging in his cell (59-D-13-02) on this date. A suicide note was discovered in his cell.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified and took possession of Inmate Chevez. Tarrant County Sheriff’s Detective Timothy Soria at TASoria@TarrantCountyTX.gov 817-884-1271 has been assigned the death investigation (TCSO report 2023-09044). The Fort Worth Police Department Major Case Unit will perform an independent review of the case. Further documentation and reports will follow the investigation as they become available.”

The report admits that Mr. Chevez had made suicidal statements, but it provides no information regarding any ongoing mental health treatment Mr. Chevez may have been receiving.

The 14^th Amendment to 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 an inmate’s known suicidal tendencies, and the inmate dies as a result, then certain surviving family members may be able to file a lawsuit. Our Texas jail neglect, abuse, and suicide law firm is handling a number of such cases across Texas.