ROSENBERG, Texas – The family of a Rosenberg jail inmate found dead in his cell don’t believe he committed suicide.
They said a witnesses heard Joseph Gunter, 33, arguing with jailers before he was found dead.
Rosenberg police said Gunter used his belt to hang himself in his cell around 7:15 a.m. on Oct. 3.
But family members insist Gunter was not suicidal.
"The family is suffering. It’s a tragic loss. Joseph did not do that to himself.” Gunter’s former girlfriend and mother of his son, Erica Reyes said.
Family members met with Fort Bend District Attorney John Healey, the Rosenberg chief of police, and Texas Rangers Monday afternoon, accompanied by Quanel X.
The family asked Healey to ensure the safety of two inmates who were in jail at the same time as Gunter. One of them claims Gunter clashed with jailers shortly before he was found dead.
“He kept pushing and pushing the call button, and (an) inmate said he irritated (the) jail staff, and when he came, cuss words went back and forth and that was last time he saw Joseph alive.” Quanel X said.
Healey said that it's the first time he’s heard there may have been a scuffle.
Texas Rangers are leading the investigation into Gunter’s death.
“From the Rosenberg Police Department’s perspective, it was apparent suicide, but (if) it’s being investigated, it was something other than that. You have to approach it that way.” Healey said.
Gunter’s family also wants an explanation why Gunter was allowed to keep his belt when he was booked into the jail, in violation of jail policy.