Inmate Clarence Semere, 46, Died While In Custody At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ney Unit In Hondo
MEDINA COUNTY, TEXAS (January 19, 2023) - A 46-year-old inmate identified as Clarence Semere has tragically died at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Ney Unit in Hondo.
TDCJ Ney Unit officials are saying that the incident took place on January 12. Correctional officers noticed that Clarence Semere was in need of medical aid.
Despite those efforts, the inmate could not be saved. Clarence Semere was later pronounced dead. Very little information about the death has been released at this time.
A full investigation into the death remains ongoing .
Liability For TDCJ Ney Unit Inmate Deaths
Jails can be very deadly places even in the best of circumstances. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “the number of deaths in state prisons rose 15% over that same period. Each year from 2001 to 2016, an average of 88% of deaths in state prisons were due to natural causes, ranging from 89% in 2001 to 86% in 2016. Over that same span, an average of 11% of deaths in state prisons were due to unnatural causes (suicide, drug or alcohol intoxication, accidental causes, or homicide), ranging from 9% in 2001 and 2008 to 13% in 2016.” Certain factors are more likely to contribute to inmate deaths.
- Inmate deaths are more likely to occur at jails that are overcrowded.
- Inmate deaths are more likely to occur when jail staff are poorly trained.
- Inmate deaths are more likely to occur when inmates have pre-existing health conditions.
- Inmate deaths are more likely to occur when inmates and jail staff are not properly monitored.
Jails must provide all inmates with medical attention. When an inmate has a pre-existing condition, they must receive treatment for that condition. Failing to give an inmate medical care when they have a serious health need can have fatal consequences. It is important that jails take a number of measures in order to prevent inmate deaths.
- Inmates should have regular health checkups.
- Inmates should get routine wellness checks throughout the day.
- Jail guards should coordinate with jail medical staff.
- Correctional officers should be trained to recognize when an inmate is in medical distress.
When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Sadly, though, jails will often do everything that they can to deny responsibility if an inmate dies in their care. They will blame everyone but themselves. The family of any inmate that died in-custody may have legal recourse 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 TDCJ Ney Unit Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Clarence Semere. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ Ney Unit inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help. We care deeply that inmates get the support and information that they are entitled to. 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.