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80th Tarrant County Jail Death Sparks Investigation Call

7/2/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Victor Runnels, 61, is the 80th death in Tarrant County Jail custody since Sheriff Bill Waybourn took office in 2017.
Commissioner Alisa Simmons held a meeting at the Sub-Courthouse to seek an investigation after Runnels died on June 25 at JPS Hospital.
The sheriff’s office said Runnels was not a jail death due to medical issues, and his family said he arrived at the hospital in cuffs and chains without contact.

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Story summary

Victor Runnels, 61, is the 80th death in Tarrant County Jail custody since Sheriff Bill Waybourn took office in 2017.
Commissioner Alisa Simmons held a meeting at the Sub-Courthouse to seek an investigation after Runnels died on June 25 at JPS Hospital.
The sheriff’s office said Runnels was not a jail death due to medical issues, and his family said he arrived at the hospital in cuffs and chains without contact.