Inmate Andrew Montelongo Died In Custody At Texas Department of Criminal Justice Montford In Lubbock
LUBBOCK COUNTY, TEXAS (November 12, 2023) - A man identified as Andrew Montelongo has tragically died after a medical emergency at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Montford Unit in Lubbock.
Lubbock County officials are saying that the incident began on October 11. Correctional officers noticed that Andrew Montelongo was in some type of medical distress.
Medical staff began life-saving measures in order to help the inmate. Despite those efforts, Andrew Montelongo was later pronounced dead.
Few details about the death have been released at this time. However, the in-custody death report indicates it was due in part to a pre-existing medical condition.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Lubbock Inmate Deaths
Inmates are exposed to a variety of different traumas inside of jails that can worsen any health conditions they already have. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “In 2002 an estimated 229,000 jail inmates reported having a current medical problem other than a cold or virus. Many of these problems reflect conditions existing before admission. Medical problems reported by inmates included: arthritis (13%) hypertension (11%) asthma (10%) and heart problems (6%).” Many different factors could contribute to in-custody deaths.
- Jail deaths are much more likely to occur when jails are overcrowded.
- Jail deaths are much more likely to occur when guards are poorly trained.
- Jail deaths are more likely to occur when jails are understaffed.
There is rarely one factor that causes in-custody deaths. However, a lack of proper medical care is one of the leading factors behind jail deaths. This could include instances where inmates do not get the medications or medical treatment that they require. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Medical records related to the death should be preserved.
- An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
- The health profile of the inmate that died should be understood.
Jails are supposed to be proactive about keeping inmates healthy. But in far too many circumstances this does not take place. Inmates will ask for medical help and be denied. This is dangerous and reckless. The family of any person that died in-custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know if any in-custody death was due to jail medical neglect.
Investigating Lubbock Inmate Deaths
We at Scott H. Palmer, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Andrew Montelongo. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability and transparency for all of the deaths that have taken place in Lubbock County jails.
Do you need more information about an in-custody death at Texas Department of Criminal Justice Montford? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to holding jails accountable for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 214-987-4100.