Cynthia Laverne Harper, 49
Dallas, Texas
October 26, 2012
Agencies: Texas Commission on Jail Standards | Texas Jail Project | Lew Sterrett Justice Center Dallas Texas
Cause of death: Response to Medical Emergency
Last updated: over 3 years ago
Overview 
On 10/26/2012 at approximately 4:00a.m., inmates from Pod 9P14 called the control center stating there was an unresponsive inmate. Detention Service Officers R. Nelson #6669, C. Willis #8264, F. Esqivel #8093 and S. Johnson #6918 responded to the pod. Upon arrival an inmate identified by armband as Harper, Cynthia BN#12068919 was found unresponsive. DSO Nelson immediately commenced CPR and Officer S. Johnson called for a nurse and a supervisor to the location. At approximately 4:05a.m., LVN's J. Hardawa and M. Bobier arrived on the floor along with Sgt. W. Glasgow #6497 and Lt. C. Burross #6511. The medical staff took over CPR and also requested that an ambulance be dispatched. At approximately 4:10a.m. Sgt. A. Tejeda contacted the radio room and requested an ambulance be dispatched to the 9th floor of the West Tower. Service #12-160447 was generated. At approximately 4:15a.m. Dallas Fire and Rescue Unit #45 arrived at the sally port. The Map Provider NP C. Whiterspoon was also contacted. At approximately 4:20 a.m., The Map Provider and Dallas Fire and Rescue unit #45 arrived on the 9th floor of the West Tower. The paramedics assumed responsibility of CPR and at approximately 4:25a.m., determined that the inmate should be transported to the Parkland Memorial Hospital. At approximately 4:30a.m., the paramedics departed the floor with inmate Harper escorted by DSO R. Nelson. At approximately 5:05a.m., Dr. R.J. Dietert from Parkland Memorial Hospital pronounced Inmate Harper deceased. At approximately 7:20a.m., decedent was transported to the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office (morgue). An Autopsy will be performed and a cause of death is pending. It appears that decedent may have died from a pre-existing medical condition.
Community and Family Efforts
Additional Resources:
- https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/criminal/custodial/report_deaths.php added August 13, 2016 11:34
- http://texasjusticeinitiative.org/ added August 13, 2016 11:34