Houston, Texas, November 21, 2025
Tragically, two inmates, Kerry Parks and Tony Davis, died in Harris County Jail, increasing the in-custody death toll in 2025 to 18. Both men suffered apparent medical emergencies while incarcerated. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths, which follow a pattern of high mortality rates in the facility attributed to overcrowding and lack of mental health resources. Advocates continue to demand improvements and transparency regarding inmate care and safety.
Houston, Texas
Two inmates die in Harris County Jail, raising 2025 in-custody death toll to 18
Two men died on Wednesday in the Harris County Jail, escalating the total of in-custody deaths in 2025 to 18, as reported by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Kerry Parks, 63, and Tony Davis, 66, both suffered apparent medical emergencies while inside the facility. Parks was discovered unresponsive around 4 a.m. and was pronounced dead at 5:23 a.m. at St. Joseph Hospital. Details about the circumstances of Davis’s death were not specified. This tragic incident follows the recent death of inmate Gregory Bennett, who succumbed to bacterial meningitis, although no additional cases are currently known. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating these occurrences.
Background on Harris County Jail In-Custody Deaths
The Harris County Jail has been under scrutiny for several years regarding the high numbers of in-custody deaths. In 2022, a record 27 individuals died while in custody, marking the highest number since at least 2000. The numbers were 19 deaths in 2023 and 10 deaths in 2024. Advocates attribute these incidents to various issues, including overcrowding and inadequate mental health care resources. Since February 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been looking into the jail due to multiple inmate deaths.
Recent Developments
In light of these ongoing concerns, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office announced the termination of its contract with a private prison facility in Mississippi. This decision aims to bring back approximately 300 inmates to Texas and follows significant pressure from both community advocates and county commissioners.
Conclusion
The deaths of Kerry Parks and Tony Davis underscore the continuing challenges within the Harris County Jail system. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the circumstances surrounding these tragedies, while efforts are being made to resolve systemic issues contributing to the troubling trend of in-custody deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the deaths of Kerry Parks and Tony Davis?
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that both men experienced apparent medical emergencies inside the jail. Specific details about the causes of death have not been provided, and investigations are ongoing.
How many in-custody deaths have occurred in Harris County Jail in 2025?
As of November 20, 2025, there have been 18 in-custody deaths reported in Harris County Jail.
What actions are being taken to address in-custody deaths in Harris County Jail?
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has terminated its contract with a private prison facility in Mississippi, aiming to bring approximately 300 inmates back to Texas. This decision was made in response to concerns about overcrowding and inadequate mental health care.
What were the in-custody death statistics for Harris County Jail in previous years?
In 2022, at least 27 people died in custody, the highest number since at least 2000. There were 19 deaths in 2023 and 10 in 2024.
Is the Harris County Jail under any investigations regarding in-custody deaths?
Yes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a federal civil rights investigation into the Harris County Jail in February 2023, following multiple inmate deaths.
What are the main concerns leading to in-custody deaths in Harris County Jail?
Advocates attribute these deaths to issues such as overcrowding and inadequate mental health care.
What is the capacity of the Harris County Jail?
The Harris County Jail complex has a capacity of over 10,000 inmates.
What percentage of inmates in Harris County Jail have mental health issues?
Approximately 80% of the people in the jail have mental health issues.
What is the role of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in Harris County Jail?
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards monitors county jail populations and determines whether facilities comply with state-mandated standards, including the ratio of one guard to every 48 prisoners.
What is the significance of the recent decision to terminate the contract with the private prison facility in Mississippi?
The termination of the contract aims to address concerns about overcrowding and inadequate mental health care by bringing approximately 300 inmates back to Texas.
What is the current status of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigation into Harris County Jail?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened a federal civil rights investigation into the Harris County Jail in February 2023, following multiple inmate deaths. The investigation is ongoing.
What are the main factors contributing to in-custody deaths in Harris County Jail?
Advocates attribute these deaths to issues such as overcrowding and inadequate mental health care.
FAQ Schema
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Harris County Jail, Houston, Texas |
| Recent Deaths | Kerry Parks (63), Tony Davis (66) |
| Total In-Custody Deaths in 2025 | 18 |
| Previous Years’ Deaths | 27 in 2022, 19 in 2023, 10 in 2024 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by the FBI |
| Capacity of Jail | Over 10,000 inmates |
| Mental Health Issues | Approximately 80% of inmates |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
