BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – An inmate at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center has tragically passed away following a medical emergency related to detoxification. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) announced the death of 49-year-old Jessell Constancio on Wednesday, which has raised concerns regarding the health protocols in place for inmates undergoing detox.
Constancio was arrested on July 4 and reportedly began experiencing seizures in her cell on July 9, just five days after her arrest. At the time of the incident, officials stated that she was detoxing from opioids, a process that can often lead to severe complications without proper medical supervision.
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Following the seizure, medical personnel were immediately called to her cell and attempted life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Constancio’s condition deteriorated, prompting the involvement of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from the San Antonio Fire Department. After reviving her pulse, she was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
At the hospital, Constancio was placed on life support; however, her family made the heart-wrenching decision to discontinue life support on Wednesday. She was pronounced dead shortly after 10 a.m.
In accordance with the Sandra Bland Act, which mandates investigations into inmate deaths, the Bexar County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office will conduct an investigation into Constancio’s death. Additionally, the state’s commission on jail standards has been notified, and BCSO’s internal affairs unit is carrying out a separate administrative investigation.
This incident highlights the critical issue of mental health and substance abuse treatment within correctional facilities. As the investigations proceed, the Bexar County community is left grappling with the implications of this tragedy and the need for improved health protocols to safeguard the well-being of incarcerated individuals.
