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Texas Rangers Investigate First Harris County Jail Death of 2026 After Medical Emergency

State inspectors recently cited the facility for delays in inmate medical care.

Overview

  • Lenton Gallow Jr., 55, suffered a medical emergency in custody and was pronounced dead at St. Joseph Hospital just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
  • He was booked Jan. 5 on criminal trespass and theft charges, and a Jan. 8 order sentenced him to 18 days on the theft count after a guilty plea.
  • Court records show the trespass charge was dismissed last week and an out-of-state fugitive complaint tied to Louisiana was dismissed Wednesday.
  • The Texas Rangers opened a death investigation as the sheriff’s internal affairs division examines compliance with policies and procedures.
  • The jail reported 20 in-custody deaths last year, double the prior year, and remains out of compliance with state minimum standards, including fire panel deficiencies and delays in timely care.