WALLER COUNTY, Texas — An inmate at the Waller County Jail passed away on Sunday two days after he was found hanging in his cell.
Evan Lyndell Parker, 34, attempted suicide early in the morning on Friday, January 25.
He was taken to a Houston hospital where he was treated. Two days later, he was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office.
Parker was booked into the jail on January 10 for murder and aggravated assault charges.
The Texas Rangers and Texas Commission on Jail Standards are investigating the case.
The Waller County District Attorney's Office issued the following statement on Friday:
There was an apparent suicide attempt at the Waller County Jail in the early morning hours of January 25, 2019. Upon discovery of the male inmate he was rushed to the hospital in Houston where he is alive and being treated for his injuries. At the request of the Waller County Sheriff, the F.B.I. and the Texas Rangers have been asked to take the lead in the investigation surrounding the suicide attempt. At this time there is no information to show that any procedures or guidelines were not followed by the jail staff.
Four years ago, a similar incident occurred at the Waller County Jail with 28-year-old Sandra Bland that gained national attention.
Bland was found hanging in her cell on July 13, 2015, three days after being arrested during a traffic stop. Her death was ruled a suicide though family members and activists disputed the cause of death and alleged racial violence against her.
