Eric Perez
Eric Perez, 41, of Benavides, was a loving and attentive father, according to his family, and his daughter Hailey says she wants justice for him. He died on June 19, 2025, after being held at the Duval County Jail in Texas, and was taken to a hospital in Alice, where he was pronounced dead. The Duval County Sheriff's Office said that jail surveillance footage shows no abuse by deputies or staff, and that relatives had earlier called deputies and an ambulance to his father's home in Realitos, where he declined medical services. Family and friends protested at the Duval County Courthouse, saying he should never have been booked, and the Texas Rangers are investigating the death.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (neglect alleged). Family members say he should never have been booked, and the sheriff's account says he refused medical services after family called for help, but no cause of death has been reported and the Texas Rangers are still investigating.
Reported by: Duval County Sheriff Romeo Ramirez (the agency that held him); Texas Rangers (outside investigators); Family and friends of Eric Perez (family or their lawyers).