It’s worth noting that while TDCJ officials claim 16 inmate homicides this year, their online custodial death reports show only 11 homicides. Hernandez clarified that the online records were filed before TDCJ officials received some of the final toxicology and autopsy reports from local medical facilities.
Since lockdown began, 20 inmates have died according to TDCJ custodial death reports. The manner of death in 13 of the incidents was deemed “natural.” Three inmates died of suicide. Four cases remain pending due to a lack of autopsy results.
Since the commencement of the lockdown, the TDCJ has conducted thorough searches in 50 state prisons to root out contraband. Their efforts have yielded a disturbing haul, including 196 cell phones, 34.5 gallons of alcohol, 274 weapons, and varying quantities of amphetamines, fentanyl, cocaine, PCP, and synthetic marijuana.
Roughly half of Texas’s prisons have resumed regular operations, including inmate visiting privileges. However, the persistent challenges and alarming discoveries in the wake of the lockdown have raised pressing questions about the state’s penal system and the safety of both inmates and staff.
Texas Serial Killer
Billy Chemirmir first came to public attention when he was apprehended after a 91-year-old woman survived a 2018 attack. She recounted how a man had forcibly entered her apartment in an independent living community for seniors, attempted to smother her with a pillow, and stole her jewelry.
