Houston Inmate in Jail for Murder Dies After Medical Emergency

On Monday, December 9, 2024, Cerdarian Oneal Thompson, 31, was pronounced dead at Ben Taub Hospital following an apparent medical emergency in his cellblock.

Thompson was transported to the jail clinic, where lifesaving measures were initiated. The Houston Fire Department EMS later transferred him to Ben Taub Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:40 a.m.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has been notified of Thompson’s death. The Houston Police Department is investigating the incident under state law requiring all jail deaths to be reviewed by an outside law enforcement agency. The Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division is also conducting a separate investigation to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, a standard protocol following an in-custody death.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

Thompson had been in custody for 35 days following his booking on November 4, 2024, on charges of Murder, Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon with Felony Conviction, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Weapon. The Murder charge was for the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Keambra Bibbs on September 4th.