Two In-Custody Deaths Under Investigation at Harris County Jail

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported two separate in-custody deaths on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Both cases are now under investigation by the Texas Rangers, as required by state law, and will also undergo internal reviews to ensure all policies were followed.

Death of Tony Davis

At 7:44 p.m., 66-year-old Tony Davis was pronounced deceased at the Harris County Jail. According to officials, Davis suffered an apparent medical emergency inside the jail’s medical clinic less than an hour after returning from a hospital visit. Houston Fire Department personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.

Davis had been in custody for 13 days after being arrested by Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s deputies on a parole violation warrant. His death was immediately reported to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. An autopsy will be conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences to determine the official cause of death.

Death of Kerry Parks

Earlier the same day, at 5:23 a.m., 63-year-old Kerry Parks was pronounced deceased at St. Joseph Hospital. Parks was found unresponsive in the jail around 4 a.m. after an apparent medical emergency and was transported by ambulance.

Parks was serving a life sentence for a 2013 conviction for injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. He had been temporarily housed in the Harris County Jail since June 2, 2025, for a court hearing and was ordered to be returned to state prison on June 6. He was awaiting transport back to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice when he died.

As with Davis’ case, Parks’ death has been reported to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The Texas Rangers and the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division are conducting parallel investigations. His cause of death will be determined by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.