San Antonio residents reflect on security at Bexar County Jail

SAN ANTONIO – Within 15 days, three people died at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, a detention center for people accused of crimes but not yet convicted.

There were seven deaths in the jail in 2024, a number currently lower than the 18 in 2023. However, three of this year's jail deaths occurred since July 30. According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, preliminary findings indicate one of those deaths was a homicide.

“I fear every day that my son is here,” said Holly, a woman waiting for her son in prison.

Operation Lifeguard, a BCSO initiative to improve inmate health care, includes, among other things, immediately declaring a “Code One” when an inmate shows warning signs of a medical emergency.

“Reducing deaths in jail is our top priority,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement to KSAT. “The numbers show a downward trend and we credit Operation Lifeguard, training, equipment and protocols for this change. We will continue to work as an agency to bring the numbers down.”

However, the inmates' families told KSAT that their relatives are not only worried about health problems and other inmates.

“I think safety could perhaps be taken into consideration. Maybe improved a little bit,” said resident Richard Perez.

“I think they need to get tougher and start reviewing the footage, because I know they have to be recording all the time,” Holly said. “So I think it's time to get tough and start looking at the footage.”

The first of the three deaths within 15 days occurred in late July. The inmate, 46-year-old Michael Rosas, was found unconscious against a cell door.

The person who died on August 13 was identified as 62-year-old Jose Barrera. The man charged with Barrera's murder is 28-year-old Anthony Alan Chase McGruder.

The most recent death was that of a 32-year-old man on August 14. Preliminary information suggests that it was a suicide.

Barrera's death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers and the Bexar County 2nd District Police Department.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, call 988 or text “TALK” to 741-741.

You can also contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) or the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) at 210-223-7233 (SAFE) or 800-316-9241.

You can also text NAMI to 741-741.

More coverage of the Bexar County Adult Detention Center on KSAT: