Texas corrections officer charged in lethal taking pictures of inmate throughout escape try – Legislation Officer

HAYS COUNTY, Texas — A corrections officer in Texas was indicted by a grand jury within the lethal taking pictures of an inmate at a hospital in December throughout an escape try. The incident was investigated by the Texas Rangers.

A Hays County grand jury indicted the corrections officer who was recognized as 27-year-old Isaiah Garcia, in response to Hays County District Lawyer Kelly Higgins. Garcia was concerned within the taking pictures of inmate, Joshua Wright, who was being held pre-trial on the time of the deadly encounter. Wright was in custody on the time on the cost of unauthorized use of a motorcar, in response to a press launch from the Hays County Sheriff’s Workplace, KXAN reported. 

Garcia had labored as a corrections officer with the Hays County Sheriff’s Workplace since 2018. He was on responsibility and was answerable for Wright’s safety whereas the inmate acquired medical remedy when the taking pictures occurred.

HCSO beforehand mentioned Wright assaulted Garcia and tried to flee whereas he was at Seton Hospital within the metropolis of Kyle. He fled from the scene on foot by way of the emergency room when he was shot. Attorneys for Wright’s household mentioned his ankles have been shackled on the time.

Hospital workers carried out life-saving measures, however Wright didn’t survive, HCSO mentioned.

Following the taking pictures, Garcia was positioned on administrative depart earlier than his employment got here to an finish. It’s unclear if he resigned or was terminated. Now he faces the indictment on a lethal conduct cost, in response to KXAN.

The cost of lethal conduct is a third-degree felony offense, with a punishment vary of two to 10 years in jail and a effective of as much as $10,000, if convicted, in response to a launch from the district lawyer’s workplace.

Higgins mentioned that Garcia surrendered to authorities and was subsequently launched on a $20,000 bond.

In keeping with the district lawyer’s workplace, the Texas Rangers carried out the investigation. The outcomes of the  probe, together with bodycam video, have been introduced to the grand jury. The bodycam video has not been launched to the general public.

Garcia is a member of CLEAT, the Mixed Legislation Enforcement Associations of Texas, which offers authorized companies to officers, amongst different obligations.

CLEAT mentioned it “stays dedicated to our honorable and fiduciary responsibility to signify our members.” The group didn’t present additional remark.

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