Inmate Isaac Wells (Full Name: Isaac Lee Wells) Died At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit In Huntsville
WALKER COUNTY, TEXAS (December 21, 2023) - A 43-year-old inmate identified as Isaac Wells has tragically died at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Estelle Unit in Huntsville.
Walker County officials are saying that the incident took place on December 16. Prison guards noticed that Isaac Wells was unresponsive in his cell.
Paramedics were called to the scene while medical staff began life-saving measures. Sadly, though, efforts to revive him were not successful. At 6:47 a.m. that same day, Isaac Wells was pronounced dead.
A full investigation into the inmate death remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Huntsville Inmate Deaths
Inmates enter the prison system with a variety of different medical problems. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “In 2011–12, an estimated 40% of state and federal prisoners and jail inmates reported having a current chronic medical condition while about half reported ever having a chronic medical condition.” Jail conditions can contribute to inmate deaths in a number of ways.
- Stress due to incarceration can lead due a worsening of chronic health conditions.
- Poorly managed or understaffed healthcare facilities within jails can result in delayed or inadequate medical treatment for inmates.
- Inmates are at a greater risk of suicide when jails do not give them proper mental healthcare.
Depending on the facts of any case, a jail could be liable for the death of an inmate in their care. Jails are required to give the inmates that they care for adequate healthcare. This includes care for chronic health conditions. It also includes care for acute health emergencies such as drug overdoses. A jail could contribute to the death of an inmate.
- Unsanitary jail conditions may lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
- Prison guards may not perform all of the welfare checks that they are supposed to.
- Inmates with suicidal thoughts may not be placed in specialized cells.
There is typically no single cause that contributes to an in-custody death. Rather, a death may take place due to a variety of factors including inadequate healthcare. Jails will often do everything that they can to deny responsibility if any inmate dies in their care. This is why it is so important that all evidence related to an inmate death is properly preserved. The family of any inmate that died in custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating Huntsville Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Isaac Wells. There needs to be some accountability for what happened. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about an in-custody death? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are treated fairly and that jails are held accountable for their neglect. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.