Harris County Jail reports first inmate death of 2026, according to HCSO

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Officials reported that a Harris County Jail inmate died on Wednesday, marking the first such incident this year.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that 55-year-old Lenton Gallow, Jr. experienced a medical emergency, adding that he was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 2:30 p.m.

According to HCSO, Gallow was in custody since Jan. 5, after being arrested by the Houston Police Department on charges of criminal trespass and theft. They added that Gallow was also considered an out-of-state fugitive.

Officials said Gallow told them he was homeless when he was arrested.

The sheriff's office reported Gallow's death to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, and the Texas Rangers are investigating.

Officials said the sheriff's office Internal Affairs Division is also investigating, which is standard procedure after an inmate dies.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will determine Gallow's cause of death following an autopsy, according to HCSO.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Harris County Jail saw 20 deaths in 2025.