Alexis Cardenas, 32, died following an incident involving Harris County Jail detention officers, and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has released its official cause of death. According to the report, cited by FOX 26 Houston, Cardenas died due to "cardiac dysrhythmia associated with acute toxic effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, chlordiazepoxide, and ethanol during physical and electrical restraint." At the time, he was in custody on multiple outstanding misdemeanor warrants. The incident occurred on July 8 during the discharge process from the jail.
Cardenas, according to the Sheriff's Office, appeared agitated and displayed disruptive behavior during his time in custody leading to an intervention by detention officers as he was escorted out. This intervention quickly escalated into a physical struggle, wherein Cardenas reportedly attempted to re-enter the secure area of the jail, prompting at least one officer to employ a taser, which proved ineffective. In KHOU's report, the medical examiner has ruled Cardenas' manner of death as a homicide, further complicating the narrative.
Surveillance footage captured the events that followed, showing Alexis Cardenas losing most of his clothing and shoes during the altercation. Despite the use of a Taser, he continued to resist, prompting the involvement of more than a dozen officers in the effort to restrain him. Approximately 12 minutes into the encounter, officers observed that Cardenas had become unresponsive. Medical assistance was immediately requested, and CPR was administered by both a detention officer and a nurse. He was then transported to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The forensic report clarifies the medical cause of Cardenas’ death but does not address questions regarding protocol and use of force. The Texas Rangers and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division are currently investigating the incident. Their findings will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s office for potential grand jury consideration. Cardenas’ family has disputed the Harris County Sheriff’s Office account of events.
