Tarrant County had no complicated investigations into deaths. Now it is about a case in Dallas County

The Sheriff of the Tarrant County's office leads an investigation into a recent death in the prison of Dallas County.

More than two dozen deaths in the Tarrant County prison were not examined independently – as required. But the Sheriff of the Tarrant County was selected to examine Dalla's prison.

It is unclear why the Texas Commission for prison standards Tarrant County chose to treat the examination of Dallas.

The state authority demands deaths in the occupants.

Independent examinations are also required.

A death in a Texan prison must be examined by a separate law enforcement authority in accordance with Sandra Bland Act.

At least 25 out of more than 70 deaths since 2017 in the Tarrant County prison have been examined by the Fort Worth police department – however, no independent examination was carried out, according to Kera and the Fort Worth report.

Elba Garcia, Commissioner of Dallas County, heads the district's advisory committee.

“In my opinion, it makes no sense,” she said. “But again as an extension of the state government, I have to follow orders.”

She said neither the North Texas prison was perfect, but does not know why Tarrant County was appointed.

“We both have some challenges in both organizations,” she said. “I think it's incredible that this is prescribed,” she said. “But hey, we will work together and we will identify the problems that the prison standards want to know.”

Dallas County's prison has also reported more than 70 deaths in the customer since 2017.

Andra Adkins' died hours after arriving in the Dalla's prison in the Parkland Hospital in March.

According to a state report, the medical examiner did not carry out a complete autopsy, citing several existing diseases.

Deaths that occur in custody prison must be reported to the Attorney General of Texas.

State officials have not yet explained why Tarrant County was selected.

Michael Gravitt, the inspector of the state prison standards, which was assigned to the annual conditions in Dallas County, used to work for the Tarrant County's office.

Shannon Herklotz, the former administrator of the prison of Dallas County's prison, accepted the same position in Tarrant County in January.

Herklotz had previously worked for the Texas Commission for prison standards for more than two decades.

The deputy deputy boss Shane Sowelle was appointed the new prison manager of Dallas County shortly before Adkins' death.

Do you have a tip? E -mail Marina Trahan Martinez at mmartinez@kera.org. You can follow Marina at @Hisgirlhildy.

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