CENTER, Texas — The family of Jamie Perry is demanding answers after the Shelby County man died in jail following an arrest during what his family describes as a mental health crisis.
Perry was taken into custody July 19, after a female deputy responded to his home, according to his family. They say Perry, who had a history of severe mental health issues, was experiencing an episode and was taken from the home while naked.
His sister, Vicky Sneed, said she told the deputy Perry needed to be taken to a hospital for treatment.
Instead, Sneed said Perry was taken to the Shelby County jail.
The family also alleges the deputy entered Perry's home without a warrant. That allegation has not been independently confirmed.
Sneed said she later went to the sheriff's office and spoke with the deputy who arrested Perry. She said she again urged officials to take her brother to the hospital and left her phone number so she could be contacted if he needed help.
According to Sneed, the family was told Perry would be monitored while in custody.
The following morning, the family learned Perry had died.
Sneed said Perry was found restrained in a chair and was still handcuffed when she arrived at the hospital. She said she observed extensive bruising on his face, chest, arms and feet, as well as cuts around his wrists and ankles.
She also said Perry had not been clothed when she saw him.
The Texas Rangers have confirmed they are investigating Perry's death. The agency said its findings will be turned over to the Shelby County District Attorney's Office.
The family says the district attorney's office has told them investigators have video from inside the jail.
The family is also waiting for the results of an autopsy, which could provide additional information about the circumstances and cause of Perry's death.
The circumstances surrounding Perry's death remain under investigation.
The Shelby County Commissioners Court and Shelby County Sheriff's Office were contacted for comment but had not responded.
It also remains unclear whether any jail employees have been fired or disciplined in connection with Perry's death, or whether criminal charges have been filed.
The family has retained an attorney and is seeking access to evidence related to Perry's death.
Sneed said her family wants accountability and changes to how people experiencing mental health crises are handled in custody.
"He died in a place that we thought he was protected at," Sneed said. "They're actually supposed to be there to protect."
Perry's family said his death has been especially difficult for his mother, who had cared for him for years.
The investigation remains ongoing. No criminal charges have been confirmed, and the allegations made by Perry's family have not been proven in court.
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