A family is demanding more transparency from the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office about the death of their loved one, 61-year-old Victor Rennels, who died after being released from the Tarrant County jail on June 25.

Background

According to the sheriff’s office, Rennels suffered a medical event while in the Tarrant County jail on June 24 and was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital for treatment. He was released from custody while still hospitalized and passed away later that evening.

Rennels’ family believes they deserve more information than what has been provided about his death during a 14-day confinement in the jail. The family held a news conference alongside Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who has been trying to call attention to a recent increase in inmate deaths.

Investigation

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards reviewed the case and formally determined that it does not meet the criteria for an in-custody death. However, Rennels’ family and Commissioner Simmons disagree, stating that moving someone from a jail cell to the county hospital should not move that case beyond accountability.

Rennels is the fifth Tarrant County inmate to die in recent weeks. The sheriff’s department said that several of the men had refused routine medical assessments at intake and that inmates often have pre-existing medical conditions when they arrive at the jail.

Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.