by | Published
Early this morning, at approximately 2:00 am, 63-year-old inmate Ed Penix was discovered unresponsive in his cell located within the infirmary.
Penix, who was housed in the infirmary due to pre-existing medical conditions, prompted immediate response from the unit deputy and medical staff from UHS stationed in the living unit.
Upon examination, UHS staff determined that Penix needed to be transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment. While awaiting emergency medical services (EMS), Penix became unresponsive once more.
Emergency procedures were initiated, with a Code 1 blue called, and life-saving measures administered by additional medical staff and deputies. Despite their efforts, at 3:38 am, San Antonio Fire Department staff pronounced Penix deceased.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Penix suffered a medical episode exacerbated by his pre-existing conditions. The exact cause of death will be determined by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Following standard protocol, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Internal Affairs (IA), and The Public Integrity Unit (PIU) are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Additionally, the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office, notified as per the Sandra Bland Act, will conduct an independent investigation. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has been informed of the situation.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar expressed regret over the incident, stating, "This gentleman should not have been in our custody in the first place. He was homeless, mentally ill, and had major medical issues. Jails are not the appropriate place for people in those situations."
