SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County officials say a 62-year-old inmate's death at the jail Tuesday afternoon is being investigated as a possible homicide.
It's the sixth in-custody death at the adult detention center so far this year, though the Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) has released minimal information thus far compared to previous incidents. On Wednesday the victim was identified as Jose Barrera; it's unknown when he was booked into the facility.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the death in accordance with the state's Sandra Bland Act, which requires the Department of Public Safety to assign an outside agency to investigate custodial deaths. BCSO is conducting its own internal investigations in the meantime, per procedure.
Bexar County officials said Wednesday that "preliminary findings suggest the possibility of a homicide," adding the investigation was ongoing.
In their own statement, Texas Rangers said they were "currently investigating an incident that occurred at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center on August 13," but didn't go as far as to suggest it may be a homicide case.
---
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.