Houston, January 16, 2026
Lenton Gallow Jr., a 55-year-old man, died at St. Joseph Hospital after experiencing a medical emergency while in Harris County jail. His death has prompted investigations from the Texas Rangers and local authorities. Gallow had been in custody since early January on charges of criminal trespassing and theft, with a history of being disabled and experiencing homelessness. This incident raises concerns amid ongoing issues within the jail, which reported 20 in-custody deaths the previous year.
Houston – A 55-year-old Houston man, Lenton Gallow Jr., died Wednesday at St. Joseph Hospital, marking the first in-custody death in Harris County for 2026. Gallow was pronounced dead just after 2:30 p.m. after being transported from the Harris County jail, where he experienced an undisclosed medical emergency.
Investigation Underway
Gallow had been in custody since January 5, following his arrest on charges of criminal trespassing and theft, both misdemeanors, along with an out-of-state warrant from Louisiana. He had reported being disabled and living with family, and also indicated he was experiencing homelessness at the time of his arrest. His death has prompted investigations by the Texas Rangers and the Harris County Sheriff’s Internal Affairs Division, a standard procedure for in-custody fatalities. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has also been notified. The official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Context of Jail Operations
This incident occurs in the context of ongoing concerns regarding the Harris County jail, which recorded 20 in-custody deaths in 2025. This figure was more than double the 10 inmate deaths reported in 2024. The facility has faced scrutiny for persistent issues such as understaffing, overcrowding, and delayed medical care, leading to its non-compliance with minimum state standards since January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was the individual who died in Harris County custody?
A: The individual was Lenton Gallow Jr., a 55-year-old Houston man.
Q: When did Lenton Gallow Jr. die?
A: Lenton Gallow Jr. died on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and was pronounced dead just after 2:30 p.m.
Q: Where did Lenton Gallow Jr. die?
A: Lenton Gallow Jr. died at St. Joseph Hospital after being transported from the Harris County jail.
Q: What was the cause of death?
A: The official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. He experienced an undisclosed medical emergency in the jail.
Q: What charges was Lenton Gallow Jr. facing?
A: He was booked on charges of criminal trespassing and theft, both misdemeanors, and an out-of-state warrant from Louisiana.
Q: Are there investigations into this death?
A: Yes, the death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers and the Harris County Sheriff’s Internal Affairs Division, and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards has been notified.
Q: How many in-custody deaths occurred in Harris County in 2025?
A: Harris County recorded 20 in-custody deaths in 2025.
Key Details of Lenton Gallow Jr.’s Death
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deceased Individual | Lenton Gallow Jr., 55-year-old Houston man |
| Date of Death | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 |
| Time of Death | Just after 2:30 p.m. |
| Location of Death | St. Joseph Hospital (after medical emergency at Harris County jail) |
| Reason for Custody | Criminal trespassing, theft (misdemeanors), out-of-state warrant from Louisiana |
| Date of Arrest | January 5, 2026 |
| Investigating Agencies | Texas Rangers, Harris County Sheriff’s Internal Affairs Division |
| Cause of Death Status | Pending autopsy by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences |
| 2025 In-Custody Deaths in Harris County | 20 deaths |
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