Video Released After Inmate Dies Following Struggle With Harris County Jail Staff

HARRIS COUNTY, TX — The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has released video footage from a critical incident that occurred on July 8, 2025, involving the death of 32-year-old Alexis Jovany Cardenas at the Harris County Jail.

According to officials, Cardenas had just been released from custody and was being escorted toward an exit door when he refused to leave and began resisting detention officers’ efforts to guide him out of the facility. During the struggle, one officer deployed a Taser, which was not immediately effective.

At one point, Cardenas forced his way back into a secure area of the jail designated for inmate processing. Multiple detention officers engaged with Cardenas and were eventually able to gain control. Shortly after being restrained, officers noticed that Cardenas was unresponsive.

A detention sergeant initiated CPR, and jail medical staff arrived shortly after to continue life-saving efforts. Cardenas was transported to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:57 a.m.

Cardenas had been booked into the jail on July 6 by the Houston Police Department on municipal charges.

The Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is performing an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Division is reviewing whether policies and procedures were properly followed.

In the interim, one sergeant and six detention officers involved have been temporarily reassigned to duties that do not involve inmate contact.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has made the relevant video footage available on its YouTube channel and public website. Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the content.