Inmate Mark Torres (Full Name: Mark Pena Torres) Died Following Medical Emergency Hospital Galveston
GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS (January 17, 2024) - An inmate identified as Mark Torres has tragically died due to a medical emergency while staying at Texas Department of Criminal Justice Jail in Galveston.
TDCJ officials are saying that the incident began on December 26. Mark Torres was admitted to the hospital due to a medical condition.
Sadly, his condition continued to decline while he was at the hospital. Around 8:00 a.m. on January 14 Mark Torres was pronounced dead by medical staff.
A full investigation into the death remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For TDCJ Inmate Deaths
Jails can be very deadly places even in the best of circumstances. Part of this is due to the poor care that inmates receive. According to the Vera Institute, “In state facilities, more than 20 percent of incarcerated people with a persistent medical condition go without care. That number jumps to more than 68 percent in local jails. Among a population more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, that inadequate care can be deadly.” Inmates are subjected to a variety of other forms of mistreatment and abuse during their stay.
- Inmates may be subjected to solitary confinement for long periods.
- Inmates may be denied mental healthcare.
- Inmates may be forced to live in jails without air conditioning during heatwaves.
- Inmates may be subjected to physical abuse at the hands of jail guards.
All jails have a legal obligation to provide all of the inmates they are responsible for with healthcare. This should begin when an inmate is first admitted. They must get a thorough health screening to identify any pre-existing medical conditions. Inmates with certain health conditions will typically need more extensive care. Jails should take a number of measures to protect inmates at risk of a heart attack.
- Inmates should be given the opportunity to exercise.
- Jail staff should offer inmates all of the medications that they will need.
- Inmates should get regular health checkups and monitoring.
- Jails should be in constant communication with healthcare providers.
Jail deaths are often highly preventable. This is particularly true with respect to inmates that enter the jail system with pre-existing health conditions. It is common for jails to deny inmates access to care. This can be deadly in many different situations. The family of any person that died in a TDCJ jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know if any death was due to medical neglect.
Investigating TDCJ Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mark Torres. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.
Do you need more information about a TDCJ inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to help. We are committed to helping inmates and holding jails accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can contact us anytime at 214-987-4100.