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Category: Texas Commission on Jail Standards

Blanco County Jail Violates a Restraint-Related Rule

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

A notice of non-compliance was issued to Blanco County Jail on January 9, 2025, after failing a jail inspection the previous day. In addition, the Johnson City, Texas, jail is currently listed on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website with other detention centers that violated one or more minimum jail standards. Blanco County Jail was cited for violating one rule, and it is one which governs the use of restraints. TCJS inspectors wrote the following details about their findings:

  • While conducting an inspection at Blanco County Jail, it was discovered in restraint logs that staff exceeded the 15-minute observation requirement.

The address of Blanco County Jail is 105 North Avenue G, Johnson City, Texas 78636. The Blanco County Jail is a high-security county jail with a bed capacity of 56.

Restraint Violations in Jails Endanger Inmates

The rules guiding the use of restraints cover all forms of restraint, from hand cuffs to restraint chairs. Several high-profile custodial deaths in recent years have brought widespread awareness of the potential dangers of restraints. Failing to make observations of inmates in restraints can make the difference between life and death. This is especially true about restraint chairs. Due to custodial deaths and patterns of abuse associated with restraint chairs, they are highly controversial. Many jurisdictions in the U.S. outside of Texas have banned their use.

A Restraint Chair Death

A woman in a Johnson City, Tennessee, jail died after being placed in a restraint chair. She was three times over the legal limit of alcohol when she was strapped into the chair. In accordance with jail policy, she had been classified as a suicide risk. Stringent observation was clearly essential, and the requirement was to observe her every 15 minutes at most.

Ninety minutes after the inmate was placed in the chair, a crisis response worker discovered that she was unconscious. The woman had slipped down in the chair, which caused the restraining straps to tighten around her throat, cutting off her air supply.

She was transported to a local hospital, and she remained there in a comatose state until her death 12 days later. Results of an autopsy showed that brain damage was the cause of death, and it resulted from a failure to get the needed oxygen supply to the brain. Also, placement in the restraint chair was deemed a proximate cause of her death.

Records showed that officers did not physically check her restraints when making 15-minute observations. Instead, they observed the detainee through a small window no more than four times. The last visual check occurred after a 25-minute duration.

Experienced Legal Advocacy for Jail Neglect Cases in Texas

If you or a loved one has experienced neglect in a Texas jail, securing skilled legal representation is essential. The Law Offices of Dean Malone is dedicated to assisting families who have lost loved ones in custody due to potential neglect, abuse, or suicide. We also encourage former inmates who have suffered serious injuries from mistreatment or inadequate care to reach out for legal guidance.

We can be reached 24/7. Contact us today for a free consultation by phone, text, or through our online form.

 

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smchugh

Harris County Jail Fails 12th Inspection since 2020

Front of Jail Cell

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted a special jail inspection at Harris County Jail on January 13, 2025, and found a violation connected to a custodial death. This is at least the 12th time since 2020 that the Houston, Texas, jail has been listed among other non-compliant jails on the TCJS website. On this latest occasion, the rule that Harris County Jail allegedly violated involved inmate supervision. The following was conveyed in the TCJS inspectors’ note about the violation:

  • After a custodial death in the Harris County Jail, county officials self-reported that face-to-face observations had not been conducted as required. Video was provided and reviewed, showing that the observation rounds were conducted within the timeframe mandated by minimum jail standards. However, face-to-face observations were not completed as required.

The address of Harris County Jail is 701 N San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002. The various Harris County Jail facilities have a total inmate capacity of 9,575.

Lack of Supervision Can Result in Inmate Suicides

Suicide is the leading cause of inmate deaths in U.S. jails. Supervision is recognized as the best deterrent to suicide. Therefore, it is always cause for concern when jails are cited for violations related to face-to-face observations. Jails can be held accountable if detainees commit suicide as a result of some type of jail fault. The following are brief stories about U.S. jails facing scrutiny after custodial suicides occurred.

  • A New Jersey jail was found guilty of negligence in the jail suicide death of a man with a documented risk of suicide. An investigation found that, through negligence, he was cleared for housing with the general population. The man was placed in an occupied single cell and had to sleep on the floor. Guards missed several clear signals of potential suicide, including: The cell door being closed by the deceased, which triggered a light to alert the staff; and a sheet being used over the cell door window, preventing face-to-face observations.
  • A 22-year-old man died by suicide in an Illinois county jail. In the four months he was incarcerated, he repeatedly expressed suicidal ideation. It was discovered that during the time the young man hung himself, a correctional officer assigned to conduct face-to-face observations had left his post without first asking for backup.

Looking for Support After Jail Abuse or Medical Neglect?

Being held in a Texas jail does not mean losing your fundamental rights. When inmates face abuse or medical neglect, it’s essential to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect that their death was due to inadequate medical care? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered serious injuries because of neglect or mistreatment? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we concentrate on cases involving custodial deaths and leverage our experience to advocate for justice in these challenging situations, which include inmate suicides.

Contact us for a free case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Falls County Jail Shockingly Fails a Fourth 2024 Inspection

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Falls County Jail is currently listed four separate times on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website, the latest of these 2024 inspections having been conducted on December 17. Non-compliance was found with regard to 14 minimum jail standards. This is reminiscent of the March 4 inspection, which revealed the same number of violations. Falls County Jail was cited for failing to comply with 2 rules of operation after a September 26 inspection. The results of an inspection on October 15 showed a repeat of the 2 violations listed in the previous month.

On 10 occasions, the violations cited on the December notice of non-compliance include this phrase: “This was a deficiency noted during the March 4, 2024, Comprehensive Inspection.” That is disturbing, especially considering that jails are expected to complete corrective action on every violation “on receipt of this notice.” In addition, an 11th violation has a note indicating that it was an area in which Falls County Jail received Technical Assistance during the comprehensive inspection on March 4, 2024.

Falls County Jail is in Marlin, Texas, at 2847 State Highway 6, zip code 76661. The jail has a bed capacity of 107.

Inmates Can Suffer from Medical Neglect When Jails are in Non-Compliance

Can a jail with a record of ongoing non-compliance with minimum jail standards manage to meet the needs of inmates adequately? Problems with understaffing and overcrowding are common, often resulting in non-compliance and jail neglect. One of the potentially disastrous results of jail mismanagement is medical neglect. The following are a few details from stories in U.S. news about instances of medical neglect resulting in custodial deaths:

  • A 45-year-old man became severely emaciated while he was incarcerated in an Alabama correctional facility. He also became completely incapacitated and allegedly suffered excruciating pain from a survivable cancer due to medical neglect. He went home covered in bed sores and died four days after being released.
  • The death of a man who had been incarcerated in a Charleston, South Carolina, jail was ruled a homicide three months after his death. A news release shows that he died of sepsis with septic shock due to gross medical neglect. There were other claims alleged by the family, including that he was subjected to deplorable living conditions and inhumane treatment.

Seeking Justice After a Jail Death Caused by Neglect

Incarceration should never mean a loss of basic constitutional rights. If you suspect your loved one passed away in a U.S. jail because of medical neglect, it’s essential to act swiftly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone without delay. Our skilled team has significant experience with jail suicides and other jail death cases. We strive to hold jails accountable and secure justice for grieving loved ones.

We also support former jail detainees who have experienced life-changing injuries resulting from jail medical neglect or abuse. Contact us today. Call, text, or fill out our online form. We are available 24/7 and remain focused on asserting inmate rights and those of their loved ones.

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smchugh

Tom Green County Jail Inmate Lester Lewis Travioli Dies

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Lester Lewis Travioli went through intake at Tom Green County Jail on May 1, 2024. Mr. Travioli was sweeping the floor in the multiple occupancy cell where he was housed when, at 11:54 PM on December 24, 2024, he suddenly fell on his back and lost consciousness. Two corrections officers were in the immediate area preparing to conduct a head count. They promptly assisted Mr. Travioli in sitting up but realized he wasn’t breathing. Lifesaving measures were quickly initiated; but at 12:39 AM on December 25, 2024, 61-year-old Lester Travioli was pronounced deceased.

The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department filed a custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Travioli on January 7, 2025. The CDR indicates that Mr. Travioli was on several prescription medications. He also had an extensive medical history, including seizures and other diseases. At the time of booking, he was observed to exhibit mental and medical problems.

Tom Green County Jail is at 122 W Harris Ave in San Angelo, Texas 76903. The inmate capacity is 1,001.

Which Inmate at Tom Green County Jail Died Following Failures in Supervision?

In November 2024, Tom Green County Jail was cited for failing to supervise an inmate in the time preceding that person’s death. Specifically, two supervision rounds were not conducted with the required face-to-face observations. It is difficult to know via public records which of two detainees who died in the custody of Tom Green County Jail in October 2024 was associated with the TCJS inspectors’ findings. Details about both custodial deaths follow.

A Suicide in Tom Green County Jail

A 59-year-old woman died on October 20, 2024. She had entered the jail eight days earlier. The CDR’s summary of how her death occurred reveals that at 7:28 PM that day, the woman was discovered hanging from the shower nozzle in the single occupancy cell where she was housed. She had used torn bedding or clothing to fashion a ligature, which was wrapped around her neck and attached to the shower nozzle. She was pronounced deceased at 10:06 PM, though lifesaving measures continued during that entire period.

Suicide is the leading cause of deaths in local jails like the one in San Angelo. All members of any Texas jail staff are required to receive training in suicide prevention. The first month of incarceration is the time when a significant number of suicides occur, and vigilance over new inmates is imperative. Because supervision is the chief deterrent of suicide, the fact that this detainee was alone in a cell should have increased the sense of urgency in keeping watch over her, at least according to minimum jail standards.

A Medical Emergency is Followed by Death in Tom Green County Jail

October 15, 2024, was the second day a 65-year-old man was an inmate in Tom Green County Jail. He was found unresponsive that day and died the next. The circumstances of his arrest involved his having sought further medical assistance for chest pains at Shannon Medical Center and then failing to leave the hospital premises. He was returned to that same medical center before being declared deceased on October 16.

Because the inmate’s arrest involved his alarm over chest pains, a sensitivity to his health was called for. In cases like this, a lack in supervision could potentially make the difference between life and death.

Seeking Justice for a Death Caused by Jail Negligence?

Being incarcerated does not strip a person of their fundamental civil rights. If you believe that medical neglect in a Texas city or county jail led to your loved one’s death, it is vital to take swift action. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone today. Our knowledgeable team routinely handles custodial death cases, including jail suicides, working to hold jails accountable and seeking justice for inmates and their families.

We also advocate for former inmates who have suffered serious injuries due to abuse or neglect while in custody. Our team is available 24/7 to provide assistance. Reach out to us by phone, text, or through our online form. We are deeply committed to asserting the rights of inmates and their families.

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smchugh

Galveston County Jail is Cited After an Inmate’s Suicide

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3d interior Jail

Galveston County Jail in Galveston, Texas, was recently added to the list of non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. A notice of non-compliance was sent to the county jail after a special jail inspection on December 9, 2024. TCJS inspectors found that one minimum jail standard was violated in connection with a custodial death at Galveston County Jail.

The island jail was found to have allegedly violated Rule §273.3-Health Instructions:

  • After a custodial death, documentation was reviewed. It was discovered that the inmate did not receive medication as prescribed.

Galveston County Jail’s address is 5700 Ball St, Galveston, TX 77551. The jail has a 1,187-bed capacity.

A Custodial Suicide May Have Instigated the Recent Galveston Jail Inspection

The above-mentioned special jail inspection at Galveston County Jail does not specify the date of the custodial death that instigated the inspection. On the website where custodial death reports (CDRs) are posted, there are, at this time, three recent deaths reported in Galveston–two in September 2024 and the other in October 2024.

However, because custodial deaths are frequently filed up to a year or more later than the 30-day deadline, it is sometimes impossible to say with certainty that a particular jail inspection is a follow-up and linked to a particular death if strictly looking at public records.

A tragic custodial suicide occurred in Galveston County Jail on October 14, 2024. The suicide victim was a 54-year-old man who had entered the jail on October 1, two weeks earlier. The CDR about the deceased detainee was filed by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department on November 12, 2024. It indicates that he did not make suicidal statements during the booking process. He was housed in a multiple-occupancy cell. The following are among the details in the summary about how the death occurred:

  • At about 6:06 AM on the day of his death, the detainee was discovered unresponsive with a ligature tied around his neck. The other end of the ligature was secured to a privacy partition near the toilet inside the cell. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced deceased at 6:47 AM.

Jailers go through suicide prevention training, and they have a responsibility to provide required supervision and to be alert to signs that an individual may be suicidal. Another issue, if this is the death tied to the recent jail inspection, is whether the medication that the inmate allegedly did not receive as prescribed might have helped prevent the tragedy.

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a county or municipal jail does not mean forfeiting your basic rights. When inmates experience mistreatment, such as being denied necessary medical care, it’s essential to hold those responsible accountable.

Have you lost a family member in a Texas jail and suspect that abuse or neglect may have been a contributory factor in their death? Or were you previously incarcerated and, due to jail negligence, suffered life-altering injuries? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on handling cases of custodial deaths, including jail suicide deaths, leveraging years of experience to provide dedicated and compassionate legal support.

We’re here to help 24/7. Contact us by phone, text, or our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

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smchugh

TCJS Cites Wilson County Jail for Another Standards Violation

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Wilson County Jail is now included with other non-compliant jails on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. TCJS sent the Floresville, Texas, jail a notice of non-compliance on November 20, 2024, the same day that the jail’s inspection report was issued. Wilson County Jail is cited for three alleged violations of minimum jail standards, and two of them are shown in a report from the previous month. The inspector’s notes are the same on the October 2024 and November 2024 reports. Corrective action is required upon receipt of non-compliance notices.

The inspectors’ notes on the added violation follow, and they provide clarification:

  • After the comprehensive inspection of Wilson County Jail, it was later discovered that the jail had failed to complete a Quarterly Fire Hazard Inspection Checklist for the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2024.

The address of the Wilson County Jail is 800 10th Street, Floresville, Texas 78114. The inmate capacity is 160.

An Inmate of Wilson County Jail Died of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

A 43-year-old man was an inmate at Wilson County Jail for 21 hours when he died on November 7, 2022. He had been placed in a detox cell because he appeared to be intoxicated during intake, and the CDR also says a medical watch form was initiated. The summary of how the death occurred shows that he was seen to be blue in the face on the house camera system in his 20th hour at the jail and was pronounced deceased less than an hour later, when resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful.

The CDR related to the man’s death was due in December of 2022, but it was not filed with the Attorney General of Texas until June of 2024, more than 18 months late. The results of the autopsy had been completed. The Medical Examiner said the death was natural, and that the medical cause of death was “alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to chronic ethanolism.”

What is Ethanolism and What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Ethanolism is an alcohol use disorder sometimes characterized as “alcoholism.” Individuals with this disorder have difficulty controlling their alcohol consumption. Ethanolism involves having to drink more to feel the effects of alcohol and having alcohol withdrawal symptoms when consumption is stopped or rapidly decreased.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include agitation, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, hand tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and, occasionally, seizures.

Jails have a responsibility to monitor the condition of any inmate at risk for withdrawal symptoms. Inmates in medical distress have a right to receive medical treatment.

Seeking Help for Jail Negligence Cases?

Studies reveal that almost 70% of inmates in local U.S. jails with chronic health conditions do not receive adequate medical care—a troubling reality. If you have experienced severe injuries due to jail medical neglect or abuse, or if you have lost a loved one because of neglect while they were incarcerated, we urge you to reach out. The Law Offices of Dean Malone has years of experience with custodial death cases, including suicides.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7—by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Harris County Jail Fails a Third 2024 Inspection

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For the third time this year, Harris County Jail is listed as a non-compliant jail on the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) website. The latest special jail inspection of the Houston, Texas, jail was conducted on December 16, 2024. With regard to a violation of the rule covering searches for contraband, which is in the chapter on the supervision of inmates, TCJS inspectors conveyed the following:

  • Harris County officials self-reported that contraband had entered their facility. Upon review of a video provided, it was discovered that an inmate’s personal wheelchair had not been searched for contraband upon entry into the secure perimeter.

Contraband Potentially Caused Two Drug Overdose Deaths in Harris County Jail in December 2024

Before Harris County Jail underwent a December 16, 2024, special jail inspection, two inmates potentially died from an illicit drug overdose. On December 9, 2024, a 31-year-old fell onto the floor of his single cell and lay there motionless. He died that morning after being transported by ambulance to Ben Taub Hospital. Another inmate at Harris County Jail, a 62-year-old, died five days earlier on December 4, 2024, after being found in the same circumstances. In this first instance, however, the inmate was declared deceased inside the jail. Results of an autopsy are pending in both custodial deaths.

Contraband in Jails is a Widespread Problem

A publication by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice states that over the last five years, there has been a substantial increase in the volume of illegal narcotics entering the criminal justice system. Among the suggested strategies for reducing contraband is to enhance drug testing, including fentanyl, through the use of mobile drug testing applications.

There are many recent stories about an ongoing problem of contraband in county and municipal jails. The following are a few details about some of those stories, all of which made the news in November 2024:

  • The Midland County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people for introducing contraband to Midland County Jail. Two of those arrested are charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into the Midland, Texas, jail.
  • A jailer in Clay County, Mississippi, has been accused of accepting money to provide cell phones, drugs, and other contraband to inmates.
  • A defense attorney in Houston, Texas, has been charged on several counts, including providing a prohibited substance in a corrections facility. This arrest came after an investigation into multiple inmate deaths caused by fentanyl drug poisoning.

Looking for Help with Jail Neglect or Abuse?

Being incarcerated in a local jail does not mean your basic rights have been surrendered. If detainees are mistreated, such as being denied necessary medical care, it is essential to hold those responsible accountable.

Have you lost a loved one in a Texas jail and suspect that neglect contributed to their death? Or were you previously incarcerated and suffered severe injuries because of negligence? If so, we may be able to help. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we focus on custodial death cases and bring years of experience to provide effective legal representation.

We’re here to help 24/7. Reach out by phone, text, or through our online form to schedule a free consultation today.

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smchugh

Texas Jails Receive New Rules for Prioritizing Inmate Complaints

Front of Jail Cell

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) sent a technical assistance memorandum regarding the prioritization of complaints to all Texas sheriffs and jail administrators on December 3, 2024. Unfortunately, tragedies often occur in U.S. jails when there is a lack of urgency in addressing serious complaints. This statement is backed by many custodial deaths linked to, for instance, laxity in providing appropriate inmate supervision. The non-compliance of Texas jails in providing appropriate supervision is often revealed as a result of special jail inspections scheduled in direct response to a custodial death.

The memo from TCJS Executive Director Brandon Wood provides details regarding complaints and how to prioritize them based on their level of severity. The highest level of priority is given to Level I complaints, though responses for Level I and Level II complaints are due within 5 business days. Jails have 10 business days to make a response to Level III complaints. More details of each type of complaint follow:

  • Personal injury, health hazards, and life safety are the types of grievances included in Level I complaints. Complaint investigators are instructed to notify the appropriate county as soon as possible regarding level I complaints. The county must acknowledge receipt of the complaint. The emergent part of the complaint is first addressed. Then a thorough and comprehensive investigation must be completed along with a response from the county within 5 business days.
  • Level II complaints will be considered “urgent.” Level II complaints include those related to overcrowding, classification, or supervision.
  • Level III complaints include any and all complaints not listed in levels I and II.

How Can Classification Errors Cause Potential Harm?

The most serious events that occur in Texas jails are custodial deaths. However, jail suicides deserve the most consideration since they are the leading cause of death not only in Texas jails but in city and county jails across the entire U.S. “Urgent” level II complaints cover two areas that are closely associated with custodial suicides, those being classification and supervision. Classification is seriously connected to possible danger to the general public, as well, considering the early release of detainees. Supervision is, as well, though that area is more obvious since it is an element in the prevention of jail escapes.

In Texas, the members of the jail staff responsible for the booking process are required to receive additional training. This training includes additional instructions on properly classifying inmates in the interest of suicide prevention and inmate safety. They learn how to interpret behaviors and statements that suggest a person could be suicidal. Inmates who are classified as potentially suicidal receive more intense supervision, which is the best deterrent for inmates in danger of self-harm.

The classification of inmates in Bexar County Jail came under scrutiny in 2019 after numerous inmates were mistakenly released. Per a news article, the sheriff said the archives had been checked and there were 15 mistaken or erroneous releases at the jail from January through mid-October of that year.

Support is Available for Jail Neglect Victims

The Law Offices of Dean Malone have extensive experience asserting the rights of county jail inmates and their loved ones. Do you suspect that jail neglect contributed to the loss of a family member in a Texas jail? If so, we encourage you to contact us. We also assist individuals who suffered lifechanging harm resulting from neglect or abuse after they are released from a county jail.

Reach out to us today by phone, text, or through our online form for a free case review.

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smchugh

Richard Perez Dies of Unknown Causes in Atascosa County Jail

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Richard Perez was only 20 years old when he was booked into Atascosa County Jail on October 1, 2024. His 21st birthday was 12 days later. Tragically, he died in the jail’s custody after 33 days of incarceration. Under the direction of Sheriff David Soward, a custodial death report (CDR) was filed by the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Department on November 25, 2024.

The summary of how Mr. Perez’s death occurred sheds no light on the cause of the tragedy. It says that he laid down on his bunk, which was in a multiple-occupancy cell. Soon after, several inmates asked guards to check on him. The guards found that Mr. Perez was unresponsive. He was moved to the booking area and ultimately transported by ambulance to a hospital. Mr. Perez was pronounced deceased at 1:43 AM on November 3, 2024. An investigation found no signs of foul play.

The Atascosa County Jail is located at 1108 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton, Texas 78026. The facility has a 138-bed capacity.

Atascosa County Jail was Cited for Non-Compliance After a Custodial Suicide

A 34-year-old man didn’t live three full days after being booked into Atascosa County Jail on June 28, 2023. The man hung himself with a towel and died by suicide on July 1 last year. However, the CDR about the man’s death was filed on July 17, 2024—a year late, as the deadline for filing is 30 days after a death. Because of the death, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) conducted a special jail inspection on August 28, 2023. TCJS inspectors discovered the following:

  • A video that was submitted after a custodial suicide revealed that a detainee was placed in the ‘dress out’ room to shower and change into a jail-issued uniform and was not observed for 61 minutes.

Can Jails Be Held Accountable for Neglect Related to Suicides?

Suicide is an extremely serious matter in jails because it is consistently the leading cause of inmate deaths. Suicide prevention measures are part of the mandatory training for all jail staff. Supervision is recognized as the greatest deterrent to suicide.

County and municipal jails often struggle with understaffing. One of the unfortunate outcomes of staffing issues is that they lead to violations of minimum jail standards related to the supervision of inmates. Statistics show that about 23% or more of all custodial suicides occur within the first 24 hours of incarceration. New inmates are also at an increased risk of suicide for the first two weeks, based on research and statistics.

Neglecting suicide prevention measures could arguably be presented as evidence of deliberate indifference toward this threat to detainees’ lives.

Legal Support for Jail Neglect in Custodial Suicides

If you believe your loved one’s death in a Texas jail was caused by neglect or abuse, it’s essential to seek knowledgeable legal representation. At the Law Offices of Dean Malone, we are committed to protecting the rights of inmates and their families. Our team handles jail death cases, including those involving custodial suicides, and brings extensive experience to these challenging and sensitive situations.

Additionally, if you are a former inmate who has suffered serious injuries due to abuse, neglect, or inadequate medical care while incarcerated, we may be able to help. Reach out for a free case evaluation, 24/7 via phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh

Jason Barr Dies on Day 9 in Smith County Jail

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Inside The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Forty-four-year-old Jason Evan Barr was booked into Smith County Jail on November 4, 2024. Tragically, Mr. Barr died on November 12, 2024. A custodial death report (CDR) about Mr. Barr was filed by the Smith County Sheriff’s Department a week later. The CDR reveals very little about what may have been the cause of Mr. Barr’s death. Results of an autopsy are awaited, but it is believed that he died of natural causes due to a pre-existing medical condition.

The summary of how Mr. Barr’s death occurred indicates that at 12:59 PM on the day of his death, he was already in the med dorm when he was discovered nonresponsive. Lifesaving measures in the multiple-occupancy cell included the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and Mr. Barr was transported by ambulance to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Mr. Barr lost his pulse at the hospital, and he was pronounced deceased at 1:44 PM.

Smith County Jail is at 104 S. Spring St, Tyler, TX 75702. The inmate capacity is 1,065.

A Smith County Jail Inmate Dies of Drug Intoxication

On June 28, 2024, a 32-year-old woman died after four days of incarceration at Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas. The CDR about her tragic death indicates that it may have been a “withdrawal death.” Opioids and alcohol are among the drugs with potentially fatal withdrawal when developing symptoms aren’t treated.

A report about managing substance withdrawal in jails was prepared by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The report shows several instances in which jail inmates in withdrawal lacked appropriate treatment, resulting in their deaths. The report showed that, in one instance, an inmate died of a severe electrolyte imbalance caused by opiate withdrawal while in a jail’s custody, and the jail was held accountable. Details on other cases follow:

  • In a county jail in Utah, a woman who exhibited profound physical distress for days pled for medical attention, but it was denied. She died on the fourth day, and the jail was found to have acted upon the unacceptable practice of ignoring inmates undergoing drug withdrawal.
  • In a Georgia county jail, a woman died 2.5 days after going through intake. She had exhibited symptoms consistent with acute benzodiazepine withdrawal, but no medical treatment was provided. She was also denied prescribed medications, including oxycodone.

Seeking Justice for a Death Resulting from Jail Negligence?

Incarceration does not erase an individual’s fundamental civil rights. If you believe your loved one passed away in a county jail in Texas due to medical neglect, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Malone without delay. Our experienced team focuses on cases involving custodial deaths, holding jails accountable, and fighting for justice on behalf of inmates and their grieving families.

We also represent former inmates who suffer from severe and life-altering injuries caused by abuse or jail neglect during their incarceration. Contact us 24/7 by phone, text, or through our online form.

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smchugh
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