An inmate at the Bexar County Jail succumbed to her injuries at University Hospital over a week after a deputy intervened in her suicide attempt. Desirae Eagle, age 27, was initially found by a deputy during a routine face-to-face check of inmates last Sunday. She was responsive when emergency medical services transported her to the hospital, but she never recovered, ultimately passing away on Sunday, according to KSAT.
The same deputy had checked on Eagle approximately 25 minutes before the incident, noting no signs of a mental health crisis at that time, as reported by San Antonio Express-News. The situation escalated quickly; by the next check, the deputy was forced to act swiftly to disrupt the suicide attempt and commence with life-saving efforts. Eagle had been incarcerated since June 24 on charges including assault causing bodily injury and harassment of a public servant.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Eagle was still alive upon arriving at University Hospital, though she did not show signs of improvement and was placed on life support before her death. The incidence of Eagle's death and the circumstances surrounding it are being investigated under the protocols of the Sandra Bland Act, handled by Bexar County's Precinct 2 Constable's Office. Officials have notified the Texas Commission on Jail Standards of the tragedy, as per KSAT.
This marks the 11th inmate death at Bexar County jail this year. "Out of those deaths, five of the last seven have so far been deemed medical episodes," according to a previous report by San Antonio Express-News. The recent history of such incidents has raised concerns over the health and welfare of those placed behind bars, who may be struggling with underlying medical or mental health issues, exacerbated by conditions of confinement.
