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Harris County Jail Inmate Dies, Marking 18th Death in Custody this Year
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Like the thousands locked up in the Harris County jail, Christian Rayo was awaiting the next stage of his pending case – a murder count tied to a chase that led to the death of a 12-year-old girl riding in his vehicle.
On Thursday, more than 10 months after that New Year’s Eve ordeal, Rayo became the 18th inmate to die in county custody this year.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the 28-year-old suffered a medical emergency behind jail walls and was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead that afternoon.
Rayo, whom deputies also identified as Christian Medina Banguera, had no apparent physical injuries. His death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers in accordance with state law, HCSO said.
Rayo’s in-custody death not only put the county closer to 20 for 2023, it also marked the third in four days.
According to the county, Robert Shelton, 60, died on Nov. 13, while being treated for a medical emergency he suffered on Oct. 29. A day later, 42-year-old Rachelle Mitchell became the second woman this year to die while in jail. Both inmates, like Rayo, had no apparent physical injuries.
Eyewitness News has covered the rash of jail deaths in recent years, including in 2022 when the county reported 27, the most in a decade. 13 Investigates has also pressed county leaders and law enforcement over jail conditions and solutions in recent months.
SEE ALSO: 13 Investigates: Inmate’s last days were ‘nothing short of living hell,’ lawsuit claims
The New Year’s Eve Chase
Rayo’s alleged actions on Dec. 31, 2022, not only left a girl dead but also severely injured an innocent driver.
According to authorities, Rayo was behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry with four other passengers, including 12-year-old Kiara Hurtado, when deputies were trying to pull him over for speeding. Rayo instead blew through a red light on Barker Cypress at Park Row when he hit Ergert Moore driving a black Jaguar.
Deputies found Rayo had multiple warrants for his rest at the time of the crash, including a burglary charge when he allegedly kicked in an ex’s door and beat her.
Rayo was released from the hospital and turned over to Harris County jail on Jan. 4 on the murder charge for Kiara’s death.
PREVIOUS STORY: Judge sets £430,000 bond for man charged with 12-year-old’s murder, records show
A 27-year-old man has been charged with murder after a chase ended with a crash that killed one of his passengers and injured an innocent driver, police say.
Despite efforts to improve conditions and address concerns, the Harris County Jail continues to face a troubling trend of inmate deaths. Christian Rayo, a 28-year-old inmate, recently became the 18th person to die in custody this year, raising serious questions about the safety and well-being of detainees.
Rayo was awaiting the next stage of his pending case, which involved a murder count related to a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve. During a high-speed chase, Rayo’s vehicle collided with another car, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old girl and severe injuries to an innocent driver. Following the incident, Rayo was apprehended and taken into custody.
On Thursday, Rayo suffered a sudden medical emergency while behind bars. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead that afternoon. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Rayo had no apparent physical injuries, leaving the cause of his death under investigation by the Texas Rangers in accordance with state law.
This unfortunate incident not only brings the county closer to a grim milestone of 20 inmate deaths in 2023 but also marks the third death in just four days. Robert Shelton, 60, passed away on November 13 while receiving treatment for a medical emergency he experienced on October 29. The following day, 42-year-old Rachelle Mitchell became the second woman to lose her life while in jail this year. Similar to Rayo, both inmates showed no visible signs of physical injuries.
The surge in jail deaths has been a matter of concern for local news outlets like Eyewitness News, who have extensively covered the issue in recent years. In 2022 alone, Harris County reported 27 inmate deaths, the highest number in a decade. As a result, 13 Investigates has consistently pressed county leaders and law enforcement for answers regarding jail conditions and potential solutions.
The tragic consequences of Rayo’s actions on that fateful New Year’s Eve have left a lasting impact on multiple lives. Apart from the loss of a young girl, an innocent driver sustained severe injuries due to the collision. Further investigation revealed that Rayo had multiple warrants for his arrest at the time, including charges related to burglary and domestic violence.
Following his recovery from the crash, Rayo was transferred into the custody of Harris County jail on January 4 to face the murder charge for the death of Kiara Hurtado.
The recent death of Christian Rayo highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Harris County Jail. With concerns regarding inmate welfare and the need for improved conditions, it is evident that comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those in custody.
For more information, please visit: 13 Investigates: Inmate’s last days were ‘nothing short of living hell,’ lawsuit claims
Source: Judge sets £430,000 bond for man charged with 12-year-old’s murder, records show
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