A Preventable Death in Custody
Introduction to the Incident
A federal lawsuit was filed against LaSalle Correctional Center, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and some of their representatives. The lawsuit claims that correctional staff at the private Louisiana jail facility ignored a Houston man’s pleas for medical attention in the days leading up to his death from an infection caused by strep throat.
The Incident Unfolds
The 29-year-old man, Erik Carlson, was housed at LaSalle Correctional Center after being transferred from Harris County Jail. During his time at the facility, he developed a strep throat infection that was allegedly ignored by medical and correctional staff. Despite his bunkmates notifying the staff of his illness, Carlson was told that his only option would be to purchase over-the-counter medication from the commissary.
Deteriorating Condition
As the days passed, Carlson’s condition worsened. He developed an inability to speak, and an abscess the size of a golf ball grew on his neck. His throat began to swell, he was coughing up blood and mucus, and he developed a fever. It wasn’t until his family members requested a welfare check and his cellmates alerted a lieutenant officer of his worsening condition that a nurse called for him to be transported to the emergency room.
The Tragic Outcome
Unfortunately, it was too late. Carlson suffered cardiac arrest shortly after arriving at the hospital and was pronounced dead. An autopsy report revealed that he died from a peritonsillar abscess due to a strep throat infection.
Lack of Oversight
The lawsuit highlights the lack of oversight when Texas jail inmates are sent to out-of-state facilities. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards does not have the authority to monitor these facilities, and state law does not require the reporting of out-of-state jail deaths to the Texas Attorney General’s Office. This lack of oversight has led to concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates housed in these facilities.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first incident of its kind. Another lawsuit was filed against LaSalle Correctional Center after Harris County Jail inmate Jaleen Anderson died from a seizure disorder days after being outsourced to the facility. The lawsuit alleges that correctional staff failed to provide adequate medical attention, despite Anderson’s repeated seizures.
Response from Authorities
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office released a statement expressing sympathy for Carlson’s family and stating that they are committed to the health and safety of the people in their custody. However, the office did not comment further on the pending litigation.
A Mother’s Plea
Carlson’s mother, Kim Carlson Lewis, spoke out about the incident, stating that she received no calls from LaSalle about her son’s worsening medical condition or to let her know that he was taken to the hospital. She only found out about her son’s death after he had passed away, when she was contacted by the Harris County chaplain.
Conclusion
The death of Erik Carlson is a tragic reminder of the need for adequate medical care and oversight in correctional facilities. The lack of accountability and transparency in the outsourcing of inmates to private facilities is a concern that needs to be addressed. It is essential to ensure that the rights and safety of inmates are protected, regardless of where they are housed. The incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of private correctional facilities to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
