Jail Inmate Dies; Investigation Begins

LONGVIEW � Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano announced that an investigation has been initiated into the death of jail inmate Bobby Madewell Jr., a 51 year old Longview man who died Thursday. Madewell had been in custody at the Gregg County Jail since his arrest by deputies on March 12. He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Bond Forfeiture and had been booked into the Gregg County jail 16 times for various charges. Sheriff Cerliano advised that the inmate was housed in a separation cell and exhibited erratic behavior about 12:40 am. According to a news release, officers interacted with the inmate and he began to resist and became extremely violent.

Following policy and procedures, officers used a TASER and attempted to apply restraints to control the inmate, according to the release. Officials say Madewell became unconscious and was immediately assisted by staff as well as medical staff on duty. Longview Fire EMS responded, and the inmate was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center. Madewell was later determined to be deceased at 2:09 am. Justice of the Peace #1 B.H. Jameson conducted an inquest. Judge Jameson ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner�s Office.

Texas Rangers Todd Martin and Jay Womack along with Gregg County Sheriff�s Investigators are conducting the investigation. Officials say the completed investigation will be forwarded to the Gregg County District Attorney�s Office for review. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards was notified, and authorities say reports will be filed with TCJS as well as the Office of the Attorney General.

Sheriff Cerliano advised that all documents, reports, logs, and electronic recordings are under review by Investigators. Cerliano stipulated that the investigation is ongoing and the autopsy report is pending. According to the news release, the public and the news media will be informed as information becomes available and is released by Sheriff Cerliano, Texas Rangers, and the Gregg County District Attorney�s Office.