Deaths in Custody
Died in jail or a lockup

Alexis Cardenas

32 years old · died July 8, 2025 · Harris County Detention Center, Harris County, Texas

Alexis Jovany Cardenas, 32, was a father, son, husband and friend, according to his family, who say he was in a mental health crisis and asked for help before his death. He died on July 8, 2025, after a struggle with detention officers at the Harris County Jail as they escorted him out following his release. Officers used a Taser and pinned him to the ground, according to video released by the sheriff's office. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled the death a homicide, citing an irregular heartbeat linked to drugs and alcohol during the restraint. The family disputes the account and has filed a civil case, a grand jury declined to indict six officers, and the Texas Rangers' review is ongoing.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide from an irregular heartbeat linked to drugs during physical and electrical restraint; his family's attorney disputes that the drugs contributed, and his family says staff ignored his mental health crisis and that intake screening failed him.

Reported by: Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (medical examiner or coroner); his family's attorney and federal wrongful death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).

Lawsuit: His family filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit over his death at the Harris County Jail.

News reports (21)

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Questions, a correction, or a death I’ve missed? Email me at orion.j.taylor@gmail.com.