Investigation begins into inmate death in Fort Bend County Jail cell

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office is looking into a recent in custody death of an image. Investigators are calling the death an apprentice suicide.

However, the victim's family doesn't believe that is the case and have hired an attorney who is looking into the matter.

Eugene Ethridge, 33, was arrested on Sunday Nov. 1 on charges of driving while intoxicated and was taken to the Fort Bend County Jail.

On Monday morning, deputies found his body and investigators explained they believe it was an apparent suicide.

The family says they were informed Ethridge had hanged himself, possibly with a sheet.

However, they also say they don't believe that was the case, adding he was never suicidal.

The family's attorney tells us he plans to visit the jail cell soon for an inspection.

The attorney also wants to know if in fact it was a suicide, how something like this could've happened and what policies and procedures are in place to prevent it.

Nearly a month ago, authorities say another inmate, Miguel Lazo, 40, attempted suicide by hanging.

Lazo was resuscitated and taken to a nearby hospital, but later died.

As a result of this latest death, the sheriff has requested an investigation by the District Attorney's office.

The case will be reviewed by the Texas Attorney General Office and the Texas Jail Commission.