HPD: Inmate found dead inside jail cell in downtown Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- An inmate was found dead in a jail cell in downtown Houston Thursday, the victim of an apparent suicide.

He was found at around 1:30am at the jail at 61 Riesner. We're told the 38-year-old Asian male used his pants to hang himself.

He had been booked in around 12 hours earlier and according to a health department employee, had passed a mental health evaluation.

The deceased man was discovered by a fellow inmate.

"He was in the lunch area and one inmate told us he attempted to make a phone call and he became agitated when whoever he was calling wouldn't answer," said Kese Smith with the Houston Police Department. "He then requested to be taken back to his cell.

That was done and he was walked in and was alone his cell. His suite mate finished his lunch and when he finished and went back to his cell, that's when he found the individual hanging in his cell."

Several agencies are now investigating.