Denay Lauren Birnie
Denay Lauren Birnie was held in a holding cell at the Parker County jail in Weatherford, Texas, in November 2017. She was found unresponsive there and died at a local hospital on November 9, 2017. An autopsy found that she died of a methamphetamine overdose. A Texas Rangers report said a jail sergeant recorded security checks on the holding cell that were not done, and a former sergeant told the Rangers that falsifying checks was common practice.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). The autopsy found a methamphetamine overdose, and a Texas Rangers report says a jail sergeant recorded security checks on her holding cell that were not done.
Reported by: autopsy; Texas Rangers investigative report (outside investigators).