In 2023, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office had 24 in-custody deaths, sparking concerns about medical care, staff responsiveness, and detention conditions. Statistical breakdown provided.

Analyzing Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) In-Custody Deaths 2023
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) had twenty-four (24) in-custody deaths in 2023, a concerning figure that demands thorough examination. These incidents, which tragically include a notable number of medical emergencies, raise pressing questions about the adequacy of medical care, staff responsiveness, and the overall conditions within the detention system. Families, communities, and advocacy groups seek transparency and accountability in the aftermath of such troubling occurrences. We provide an analysis of the incidents and a statistical breakdown to get a deeper understanding.
Understanding In-Custody Deaths
What is a in-custody death? When someone dies while in the custody of law enforcement, it’s classified as an in-custody death. According to Texas law, these incidents must be reported promptly to the Texas Attorney General, detailing the circumstances and any medical treatment involved.
2023 Bexar County Sheriff’s Office In-Custody Deaths
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office was involved in twenty-four of these incidents, as detailed below:
Vanessa Sauceda
Date of Incident: December 21, 2023
Details: Vanessa Sauceda was initially responsive but suddenly became unresponsive during a medical evaluation. Despite chest compressions and EMS assistance, she was pronounced deceased at 1:26 AM. The incident began when Deputy K. Manjarrez initiated a Code One for medical assistance, and it escalated to a life-threatening situation, leading to a Code 1 Blue.
Jaime Valdez
Date of Incident: October 18, 2023
Details: Jaime Valdez was brought into the facility on a theft charge and was found not breathing while sitting in the booking area. Sgt. A. Martinez was notified by another inmate, and immediate CPR was administered. Despite efforts by Sgt. J. Ward and SERT Officer B. Santo Domingo, Jaime was pronounced dead at 7:43 PM.
Ed Penix
Date of Incident: October 5, 2023
Details: Suffering from diabetes and other health issues, Ed Penix was housed in the infirmary. He was found unresponsive by a nurse practitioner, and despite immediate CPR and intervention by the San Antonio Fire Department, he was pronounced dead at 3:38 AM.
Manuel Perez
Date of Incident: September 29, 2023
Details: Manuel Perez was found unresponsive in his cell during an observation check. Deputy M. Rios initiated a Code 1 Blue, but despite efforts from medical staff and the Special Emergency Response Team, Perez was pronounced deceased at 12:15 PM.
Jacky Ray Payne
Date of Incident: September 13, 2023
Details: Jacky Ray Payne was apprehended on a mental health warrant. After being transported to the hospital, he was noted to have shallow breathing and was pronounced dead despite life-saving measures by hospital staff.
Emmanuel Armando Mora
Date of Incident: August 27, 2023
Details: Emmanuel Mora became agitated and aggressive during booking. He was restrained and administered multiple doses of NARCAN but became unresponsive. Despite life-saving measures by RN Starnes and SERT Deputy J. Hernandez, Mora was pronounced dead at 9:01 PM.
Felix Benavides
Date of Incident: August 15, 2023
Details: Under hospice care, Felix Benavides was in critical condition. He was pronounced dead following consultation with hospice staff, highlighting the end-of-life care provided within the facility.
Wade A. Graham
Date of Incident: August 5, 2023
Details: Wade Graham was taken to the hospital following a medical emergency in detention. Despite extensive medical efforts and multiple resuscitation attempts, he was pronounced dead at 7:12 AM on August 6.
Kevin Arballo
Date of Incident: August 5, 2023
Details: Kevin Arballo was found unresponsive on a toilet in the unit restroom. Despite resuscitation efforts, including the use of NARCAN and an AED, he was pronounced dead at 4:33 PM.
Kiernan Christopher Williams
Date of Incident: July 20, 2023
Details: Kiernan Williams was found hanging in his cell. Despite immediate intervention and life-saving efforts by the San Antonio Fire Department, he was pronounced dead at 12:09 AM on July 21.
Richard Anthony Zuniga
Date of Incident: July 9, 2023
Details: Richard Zuniga died in a vehicle crash during a high-speed pursuit. The pursuit ended tragically when his vehicle was struck at an intersection, causing it to flip multiple times and resulting in his fatal injuries.
Jose Trinidad Barrera
Date of Incident: July 7, 2023
Details: Hospitalized since June 28, Jose Barrera died after being transported from his assigned hospital room to the operating room for surgery. He was pronounced dead at 2:33 PM.
Freeman Emmanuel Verne
Date of Incident: July 2, 2023
Details: Freeman Verne was found unresponsive in the Mental Health Unit. Despite resuscitation efforts by the Special Emergency Response Team and medical staff, he was pronounced dead at 8:06 AM.
Darlene Francis
Date of Incident: June 30, 2023
Details: Darlene Francis was found unresponsive in her cell. Registered Nurse J. Hogan and the Special Emergency Response Team attempted resuscitation, but she was pronounced dead at 9:42 AM.
Ryan Thomas Stanush
Date of Incident: June 3, 2023
Details: Ryan Stanush was shot and killed by deputies after a violent, drug-induced incident where he assaulted family members and officers. The confrontation escalated quickly, ending with Stanush being shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
Andrew Sebastian Contreras
Date of Incident: June 3, 2023
Details: Andrew Contreras died in a motorcycle crash following a high-speed pursuit. He was ejected from his vehicle after crashing into another motorist and was pronounced dead at 9:16 PM.
Pedro Lucio
Date of Incident: May 8, 2023
Details: Following a prolonged hospital stay, Pedro Lucio was removed from life support and died. He was initially booked while in the hospital due to his critical condition and died after his family decided to remove him from life support.
Jake Edwin Pawelek
Date of Incident: May 2, 2023
Details: Jake Pawelek was shot and killed by deputies after brandishing a rifle during a domestic disturbance. Deputies responded to the scene where Pawelek fired his weapon, leading to a fatal exchange.
Hector Lopez
Date of Incident: March 31, 2023
Details: Hector Lopez collapsed in his cell. Deputy Taylor initiated chest compressions immediately, and medical staff took over upon arrival. Despite their efforts, Lopez was pronounced dead at 1:02 PM.
Ariel Octavious McCants
Date of Incident: February 2, 2023
Details: Ariel McCants died from self-inflicted stab wounds while in custody. Despite being brought to the hospital for treatment, he was pronounced brain dead and subsequently deceased later that day.
JoseLuis Iruegas
Date of Incident: January 29, 2023
Details: JoseLuis Iruegas died from gunshot wounds sustained in a confrontation with police. He was involved in an incident where he pointed a look-alike weapon at officers and was subsequently shot.
Daniel Pentkowski
Date of Incident: January 25, 2023
Details: Daniel Pentkowski was found unresponsive in his cell. Medical staff initiated resuscitation efforts immediately, but he was pronounced dead shortly after EMS arrived.
Christopher Pangelinan
Date of Incident: January 12, 2023
Details: Christopher Pangelinan was found hanging in his cell. Despite immediate CPR and resuscitation efforts by medical staff, he was pronounced dead at 12:22 PM.
Mario Alberto Aguinaga
Date of Incident: January 12, 2023
Details: Mario Aguinaga died following a vehicle crash during a high-speed pursuit. His vehicle crashed into a utility pole and multiple parked vehicles, resulting in his death.
In-Custody Death Statistical Analysis
Out of the 24 reported in-custody deaths, a significant portion stem from medical emergencies:
- Medical Emergencies: 50% (12 cases)
- Suicides: 12.5% (3 cases)
- Police-Involved Shootings: 16.7% (4 cases)
- Vehicle Accidents During Pursuit: 12.5% (3 cases)
- Drug Overdose: 4.2% (1 case)
- Others (e.g., hospice): 4.2% (1 case)
Among the 12 medical emergencies, we can further categorize them based on where they occurred or were initiated:
- Booking Area: 2 cases (16.7%)
- Cells: 6 cases (50%)
- Elsewhere (Infirmary, Hospital, etc.): 4 cases (33.3%)
The prevalence of medical emergencies, accounting for half of the in-custody deaths, points to concerns within the Bexar County detention system. These incidents raise questions about the adequacy of medical care, staff responsiveness, and overall conditions in the facility.
Booking Area: Incidents in the booking area highlight the need for immediate medical interventions during the intake process. Bexar County does have a medical unit within the booking area; however, the wait can be lengthy and the screening is very limited.
Cells: The high number of deaths occurring in cells indicates a need for more rigorous monitoring and faster medical responses within housing units. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TJS) does provide for requirements in routine monitoring of inmates. Bexar County also has measures in place to track these monitoring functions. However, incidents still happen and the data suggests at least half will occur in cells.
Elsewhere: The deaths occurring in infirmaries or hospitals underscore the importance of continuous medical care for inmates with pre-existing conditions or those in critical states. This represents a point that Bexar County does respond to incidents and individuals are transported; however, are there any other areas of improvement?
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office faces a pressing need to address these trends. Consistent process improvement may be the key. Some areas of consistent process improvement may consist of the following:
- Enhanced Medical Response Training: Ensure all detention staff receive thorough training in emergency medical response, including the use of life-saving equipment and techniques.
- Improved Medical Facilities: Upgrade medical facilities in the detention center and ensure that adequate medical staff are available around the clock.
- Mental Health Support: Increase mental health resources and implement robust suicide prevention measures to support inmates.
- Revised Pursuit and Arrest Protocols: Review and revise protocols for pursuits and arrests to minimize the risk of fatal outcomes.
- Regular Audits and Oversight: Conduct regular audits of detention facilities and medical procedures to ensure compliance with best practices and identify areas for improvement.
By addressing these issues head-on, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office can work towards reducing in-custody deaths and improving the overall safety and well-being of inmates. Ensuring that all staff are adequately trained and that facilities are equipped to handle emergencies can make a significant difference in preventing future tragedies.
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