Inmate Jaime Valdez (Full Name: Jaime Rodriguez Valdez), 52, Died After Medical Emergency At Bexar County Adult Detention Center
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (October 20, 2023) - A man identified as Jaime Valdez has tragically died in-custody at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center in San Antonio.
Bexar County officials are saying that the incident began around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night. Jail staff found Jaime Valdez unresponsive in his jail cell.
Medical staff began life-saving measures in order to help the inmate. Despite life-saving measures, he was later pronounced dead.
Jail officials said that Jaime Valdez was initially given medication for a pre-existing health condition. He was then booked into jail and awaiting a housing assignment prior to suffering a medical emergency.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Bexar County Inmate Deaths
Far too many people have died at the Bexar County Jail in recent months. According to the San Antonio Express-News, “More than 20 people have died this year while in custody of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Earlier this month, Ed Penix, 63, died of “preexisting medical conditions.” In that case, Sheriff Javier Salazar said Penix should not have been in jail because “he was homeless, mentally ill, and had major medical issues.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to an in-custody death.
- Judges may sentence inmates to jail who should not have been there due to physical or mental health conditions.
- Inmates may not get the care that they need for pre-existing health conditions.
- Inmates may not get the care that they need for acute health conditions such as a drug overdose.
- Inmates may die in attacks involving other inmates.
Depending on the facts of any case, a jail could face liability if an inmate dies in their care. Jails have a legal obligation to provide inmates with adequate healthcare. This starts when an inmate is first admitted into jail. They should get a health screening and be given treatment for any conditions that they may have. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- The medical profile of the inmate that died should be understood.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- The communications of jail staff involved in caring for the inmate should be reviewed.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
It’s no accident that certain jails have a high prevalence of in-custody deaths. Deaths in-custody are never random. Rather, they often happen due to systemic failures or issues within a prison. This could include and is not limited to poorly trained staff and overcrowding. The family of any person that died in-custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Bexar County Jail Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jaime Valdez. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. The sheer number of deaths at this jail remains deeply concerning. State officials need to do their part and provide greater oversight.
Do you need more information about an in-custody death at Bexar County Adult Detention Center in San Antonio? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are upholding constitutional standards for medical care. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.