Harris County Inmate Dies At Hospital

A 49-year-old man, who was in jail custody, tragically passed away over the weekend after being hospitalized due to a preexisting medical condition.

Oscar Villazana, who was charged with assault – family violence and booked into jail on October 3, 2022, was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital on July 13, 2023, for a medical emergency. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Villazana passed away at the hospital on July 16, 2023, at 10:14 p.m.

As per state law, the Texas Rangers are investigating the circumstances surrounding Villazana’s death. This independent law enforcement agency is responsible for reviewing all deaths that occur in jail custody.

Simultaneously, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division has launched its own investigation to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures. Such reviews are a standard procedure in cases of in-custody deaths.

The exact cause of Villazana’s death remains undetermined, pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. This autopsy will provide crucial information that could help in the ongoing investigations.

In compliance with legal requirements, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has reported Villazana’s death to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. This agency is responsible for enforcing statewide standards for jail operations.

The untimely passing of Oscar Villazana brings to light the complex challenges associated with medical care for individuals in jail custody. As the investigations continue, more details surrounding the circumstances of Villazana’s death are expected to emerge.