Teddy Wayne Parker
Not found on the Texas Attorney General’s published list of deaths in custody.
Teddy Wayne Parker, 32, became unresponsive at the Smith County Jail in Texas in May 2017 and was later taken off a ventilator at a Tyler hospital. His mother, Christine Parker, sued in federal court, alleging that Tyler police officers and jail deputies used excessive force against him. In January 2022, Smith County agreed to pay $500,000 to settle her claim while maintaining it had no liability, and no court has found wrongdoing. The sheriff's office said Parker was placed in a padded cell before he became unresponsive.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). His mother's federal lawsuit alleges Tyler police officers and jail deputies used excessive force against him, and Smith County paid $500,000 to settle without admitting liability; no court has found wrongdoing.
Reported by: mother Christine Parker, in a federal civil lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His mother sued Tyler police officers and Smith County jail deputies over his death, and Smith County agreed to pay $500,000 to settle the claim in January 2022 while maintaining it had no liability.