Tarrant County officials brief court after two in-custody deaths; families and advocates press for independent probe

Tarrant County officials briefed the Commissioners Court on Jan. 14 about two people who died while in custody in December, drawing heavily attended public comment from family members and advocacy groups calling for independent investigations and immediate policy changes.

The briefing featured a presentation from the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office and health partners. Sheriff’s office spokespersons said both deaths remain under active investigation. “All protocols were followed by Tarrant County Sheriff's Office personnel,” the sheriff’s briefing said, adding that clinical teams and emergency responders performed life-saving measures on scene.

Why it matters: Public speakers — including family members of those who died — said county processes failed relatives and called for outside scrutiny. The court heard multiple accounts alleging delays or denials of medical care, and commenters said internal investigations and settlement spending have not delivered accountability.

What officials told the court - The sheriff's…