Clarence Freeman
Clarence Crawford Freeman was 42, and his sister Pamela Griffith described him as a healthy, upbeat brother who should have been celebrating his 43rd birthday. He was held at the Harris County Jail, which his family said he preferred because it was closer to them. On New Year's Day 2008, he was injured in a struggle with a detention officer after a dispute over a food tray. Jail officials say he started the confrontation, but his family disputes that account and wants an outside investigation. He died on January 10, 2008, after being removed from life support, and the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide, citing respiratory failure following neck compression; a grand jury will review the case.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The Harris County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide from respiratory failure following neck compression, and jail officials say Freeman started a struggle with a detention officer, while his family disputes that account and wants an outside investigation.
Reported by: Harris County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Harris County Jail officials (the agency that held him); Freeman's family (family or their lawyers).