UVALDE, Texas — A man arrested by Uvalde police died less than 24 hours after being booked into the Uvalde County Jail, prompting an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers, officials said.
Ernesto Alonzo Amaro was taken into custody on Aug. 12 and transported to the jail, according to the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office. The next morning, as he prepared to appear before a magistrate, Amaro suffered what officials described as a “medical episode” in his holding cell.
Jail staff called for medical personnel, and Amaro was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Under policy, the Sheriff’s Office referred the case to the Texas Rangers for an independent inquiry. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards and the state attorney general’s office were also notified.