Corey Shawn Bavousett
Corey Shawn Bavousett, 39, died on October 5, 2025, at the Clements Unit state prison in Amarillo, Texas, where he was held. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice reported that a fire started in his cell and that staff found him unresponsive when they entered, and he was pronounced dead less than an hour later. Arrest reports and an anonymous agency source said the mattress caught fire, smoke filled the cell, and staff did not open the cell door for about 21 minutes after he became unresponsive. Two former corrections officers have been charged in connection with his death, and the cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff. Arrest reports cited by ABC 7 News say staff did not open the cell door for about 21 minutes while smoke filled the cell, and two former officers have been charged in connection with his death.
Reported by: Texas Department of Criminal Justice (the agency that held him); Texas Office of the Attorney General custodial death report (outside investigators); ABC 7 News, citing arrest reports (reporters).
News reports (7)
- Source: Texas prison officials refused to let inmate out of burning cell
- Two Clements Unit staff arrested on homicide, manslaughter charges
- 2 former corrections officers at Clements Unit in protective custody at Potter County Jail
- Prison guards charged after inmate dies locked inside burning jail cell: ‘Refused to help’
- Exclusive: Corrections officer charged in inmate's death ordered to 'smoke (him) out'
- Identity of inmate who died in fire at Bill Clements prison unit released
- Two Texas Prison Guards Charged After Inmate Dies in Burning Cell