Jail Staff Cleared in Dehydration Death: Investigation Finds No Criminal Wrongdoing
An investigation by the Denton County Sheriff’s Office cleared the Tarrant County Jail of criminal wrongdoing in the death of Kimberly Phillips, who died of malnutrition and dehydration. Despite the investigation’s findings, advocates argue that Phillips’ death was preventable with proper care. Medical records revealed Phillips, who had a history of mental illness and a documented paranoia about food, refused most meals during her three weeks in jail before being sent to the hospital. The investigation determined that staff followed existing policies, but critics suggest these policies may be inadequate, especially when dealing with inmates refusing care.
John Q. Hosedrinker