SAN ANTONIO – A 44-year-old inmate is dead after attempting suicide by hanging himself in his cell, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
A unit officer found Emmitt Earl Byrd unresponsive in his cell around 9:51 a.m., Thursday while conducting a routine check, the BCSO said.
Recommended Videos
Deputies used a cutting tool and called for backup while attempting to save Byrd’s life.
Medical staff at the jail and first responders then continued lifesaving measures. Byrd was pronounced dead at 10:17 a.m. by first responders.
The Criminal Investigations Division, Internal Affairs and Public Integrity Unit will conduct investigations into Byrd’s death.
The Precinct 2 Constables Office will also investigate in accordance with the Sandra Bland Act, BCSO said. The sheriff’s office has notified the Texas Commission on Jail Standards about the in-custody death.
BCSO said its policy and procedures were followed while the unit officer checked the cells.
Byrd was booked on Sunday on Violation Bond/Protective Order and Assault-Family-Choking/Strangulation charges.