Inmate Anthony Safian (Full Name: Anthony Robert Safian) Died In Custody At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Robertson Unit In Abilene
JONES COUNTY, TEXAS (November 28, 2023) - A 40-year-old inmate identified as Anthony Safian has tragically died in custody under uncertain conditions at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Robertson Unit in Abilene.
Jones County officials are saying that the death took place on November 22. Very little information about the death of Anthony Safian has been released at this time.
However, jail officials have indicated that the death was not the result of any medical condition at the jail. The in-custody death report indicates that the death may have been accidental or the result of force.
A full investigation into the death of Anthony Safian remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Abilene Inmate Deaths
Far too many people die in custody each year. A large portion of these deaths are preventable. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, “In 2016, over 1,000 people died in local jails - many the tragic result of healthcare and jail systems that fail to address serious health problems among the jail population, and of the trauma of incarceration itself.” Nearly half of all jail deaths are due to:
- Suicide
- Accident
- Homicide
- Drug or alcohol intoxication
When jails are functioning properly, these four types of deaths are largely preventable. Depending on the facts of any case, a jail or private healthcare provider could be liable for an inmate’s death. Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes harm that results from a lack of proper medical care. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- The inmate’s medical records should be reviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
- The actions of correctional officers leading up to the death should be understood.
Jails are often quick to label certain inmate deaths as “natural.” But this designation can be misleading and fails to clarify the circumstances surrounding any inmate death. Many inmate deaths that are supposedly “natural” involve some aspect of medical neglect. This is especially true when the inmate that died is particularly young. The family of any person that died in-custody may have legal recourse through a constitutional claim.
Investigating Abilene Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Anthony Safian. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a Jones County inmate death? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held accountable for their negligence. 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.