The Texas Rangers are involved in an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Monday, December 12. An inmate from the Hays County Jail was shot and killed, reportedly in a failed escape attempt.
In a statement, officials said: “A Hays County Corrections Officer was guarding an inmate who was getting medical treatment at Seton Hospital in Kyle. The inmate in an attempt to escape, assaulted the corrections officer and ran on foot through the emergency room. The corrections officer discharged his firearm and struck the inmate. Medical staff immediately started life saving measures but unfortunately the inmate succumbed to his injuries.”
The inmate has been identified as 36-year-old Joshua Leon Wright.
In the wake of the shooting, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a statement calling for the swift release of all body-camera footage from the fatal incident. Becerra’s statement also called into question the officer’s actions, claiming to have heard varying reports of what happened:
“Alongside my fellow Hays County residents, I am saddened by the loss of life that occurred at Seton Hospital in Kyle on Monday. I understand the Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting by a Hays County Corrections Officer and believe that the people of Hays County deserve urgent answers. There are reports circulating that have not yet been answered by the Sheriff’s Office – that the pretrial detainee who was shot had his feet shackled; that he was shot in the back, multiple times; that a taser was available but not used – and so I am asking for further clarity. Additionally, given a recent allegation by the Executive Director of CLEAT that differs from accounts by some of the witnesses in the hospital, I am asking the Sheriff’s Office to release all relevant body-camera footage from the fatal shooting within 10 days of the in-custody death. Cooperation by the Sheriff’s Office, of making available video documentation of the incident by Friday, Dec 22, would importantly enhance public trust and understanding of the context surrounding this tragic loss of life.”
The corrections officer, who has not been identified publicly, has been placed on administrative leave.
