Joshua Keith Beasley Jr.
Joshua Keith Beasley Jr. was 16 when he died on March 24, 2023, at the Wayne Scott Unit, a Texas prison, where he had been sent for psychiatric care after a long history of suicidal behavior in youth facilities. He was found unresponsive in his cell with a sheet tied around his neck and was pronounced dead shortly after, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said his death was a suicide. The agency said it has moved to dismiss seven employees for failing to conduct required cell checks, and a corrections union said short-staffing may have played a role, which the agency disputes for that unit. His parents have sued the state agency, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and UTMB, alleging that officials failed to provide adequate care; his mother, Amnisty Freelen, said she hopes the case brings change for other children.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). TDCJ says he died by suicide and seven employees face dismissal for failing to conduct required cell checks, while his parents' lawsuit alleges officials failed to provide adequate care for his known suicide risk and mental health needs.
Reported by: Texas Department of Criminal Justice (the agency that held him); TDCJ spokesperson Jason Clark (the agency that held him); his parents' lawsuit (Texas Civil Rights Project, Winston & Strawn LLP, Palmer Perlstein) (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His parents sued TDCJ, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and UTMB over his death, alleging inadequate care, and no settlement or award amount is reported.
News reports (5)
- 7 Fort Bend-area prison employees face dismissal over 16-year-old inmate's suicide
- Seven Texas prison employees face dismissal over 16-year-old inmate's suicide
- Seven Texas prison employees face dismissal over 16-year-old inmate’s suicide
- Custodial death report 23-327-P
- Civil rights groups sue Texas just departments over teen inmate's suicide