Died in custody
Rego Ornelas
Rego Ornelas, 45, died on October 28, 2024, after being arrested at a recycling facility in Texas City. Police say he was turned away from the Galveston County Jail for medical reasons and needed emergency care while being moved back to a patrol unit, and he died at UTMB. His mother, Rachel, says he was her only living son after two of her other sons died, and that she should not have outlived her children. His family has not been told how he died or allowed to see his body, and the medical examiner and Texas Rangers are investigating.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined
Reported by: Medical examiner's office (medical examiner or coroner).