Sheriff Salazar's jail leads big Texas counties in 2026 deaths, with over 90 since 2020
More than 90 people have died in the Bexar County Jail since 2020, and in 2026 Bexar has recorded the most in-custody deaths of Texas's largest county jails, according to Texas Jail Project data reported by KSAT. The group counted 35 suicides in the Bexar jail over the past decade, against 13 in Harris County. Former deputy Clemente Lopez was charged with murder in the 2025 jail assault death of Francisco Bazan. On Aug. 18, 2026, Bexar County Commissioners Court approved a first step toward an independent audit of how the Sheriff's Office investigates custodial deaths, but has not voted on the audit itself. Sheriff Javier Salazar said his office supports the commissioners' requests; he was not available to KSAT for an interview. In August the jail passed an unannounced state inspection, according to the Sheriff's Office.
So far this year, Bexar County has had the highest number of reported deaths while in jail custody, according to data from the Texas Jail Project.
Lopez is accused of opening a cell door and allowing other inmates to carry out a violent assault on Bazan.
Jessell Constancio, 49, was the seventh inmate who has died in BCSO custody this year, according to a KSAT Investigates analysis.
Commissioners have not yet taken a final vote on the audit itself, but the action approved Tuesday was described as a first step toward making the jail safer and more efficient.
Said it works to notify next of kin promptly but locating the right person can take time.
Said his office supports the commissioners' requests regarding solutions and is awaiting an opportunity to assist.
No outcome recorded yet.