Edwinta Ruth Deckard
Not found on the Texas Attorney General’s published list of deaths in custody.
Edwinta Ruth Deckard, 53, of Nacogdoches, Texas, became ill while held in the Nacogdoches County jail and died at a hospital on December 5, 2011. Former sheriff Tomas Kerss said an autopsy found natural causes and dehydration, and that she had a history of health problems. Her family's wrongful death lawsuit alleges she was ill for days and that repeated requests for medical help were ignored. In 2012 a grand jury indicted a lieutenant and a sergeant on criminal negligent homicide charges, alleging they failed to provide appropriate medical care; both were suspended and posted bond.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). Sheriff Thomas Kerss said an autopsy found natural causes and dehydration, while the family's lawsuit says staff ignored repeated requests for medical care and other women held with her say they asked jailers for help over a weekend.
Reported by: Sheriff Thomas Kerss (the agency that held her); autopsy; her family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); other women held in the jail with her.
Lawsuit: Her family sued over her death in the Nacogdoches County jail, seeking $30 million in a wrongful death lawsuit, and no settlement or award amount is reported.