Joe Murvin
Joe Murvin, 72, died on January 23, 2025, while held at the El Paso County Jail in Texas. A news account said he was found unconscious and not breathing in his cell at the downtown jail. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards cited inaccurate inmate checks on the day he died, but the Sheriff's Office said the required checks were performed and verified on video and were not recorded in its electronic system. The sheriff's office said he died of natural causes, and the state's non-compliance notice was later rescinded.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). The sheriff's office said Murvin died of natural causes, while the Texas Commission on Jail Standards cited missed observation rounds on the day he died, which the sheriff's office says were performed but not recorded.
Reported by: El Paso County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Texas Commission on Jail Standards (outside investigators); Texas Office of the Attorney General custodial death report (outside investigators).
News reports (5)
- Custodial death report 25-67-CJ
- El Paso County Jail cited for non-compliance on safety checks after inmate's death
- El Paso County Jail receives new ‘non-compliance’ notice after inmate’s death
- A LOOK INSIDE: Sheriff Ugarte defends El Paso jail security despite notice on inmate death
- Downtown El Paso County jail sees fifth inmate death at facility in 2025