by | Published
On October 19, 2023, at approximately 7:07 pm, a 52-year-old male inmate in the custody of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office was discovered unresponsive in the open booking area. The inmate had previously received medical attention at approximately 4:42 pm and had been administered medication for pre-existing medical conditions.
While awaiting assignment to a housing unit, the inmate experienced a medical episode, prompting a swift response from detention staff and medical personnel. At around 7:15 pm, a code 1 blue was initiated to request additional assistance.
Booking deputies immediately initiated life-saving measures, followed by the arrival of medical staff in the booking area, who took over the efforts. At 7:20 pm, the San Antonio Fire Department was summoned to the scene in response to the medical incident. At 7:43 pm, the inmate was pronounced deceased by SAFD personnel.
Preliminary findings suggest that the inmate's medical episode may have been exacerbated by pre-existing medical conditions. Nevertheless, the exact cause of death will be determined by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.
In adherence to established procedures, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Internal Affairs (IA), and The Public Integrity Unit (PIU) have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this inmate's passing.
In accordance with the Sandra Bland Act, the Karnes County Sheriff's Office has been notified of the inmate's death and will also conduct an independent investigation. Additionally, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has been informed of this incident.
UPDATE: The deceased inmate has been identified as 52-year-old Jaime Rodriguez Valdez. Valdez had been booked into jail on October 18, 2023 on a theft under $2,500 charge by the San Antonio Police Department.
