Overview
- The grand jury, which met Tuesday, declined to charge six Harris County detention officers in the 2025 in-custody death of Alexis Cardenas.
- Security video released by the sheriff’s office shows officers trying to force Cardenas out during a late-night release, punching and using a Taser as they held him down before noticing he was unresponsive.
- The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide and cited cardiac dysrhythmia linked to methamphetamine, cocaine, chlordiazepoxide and alcohol, along with physical restraint.
- The sheriff’s office says internal findings will go to a disciplinary committee to assess policy violations, and the involved staff remain on temporary roles without inmate contact.
- Cardenas’ family has sued in federal court, alleging the jail failed to curb excessive force and saying his charges were dropped about 17 hours before the fatal struggle.