Sabra Lynette Coverdale, 48

Pearland, Texas
January 18, 2015

Agencies: Pearland Police Department Texas | Texas Department of Criminal Justice | Texas Attorney General's Office | Texas Jail Project

Cause of death: Medical Neglect

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Overview

On 01/18/2015, Detective DeSpain was notified by Sgt. Thomas of the death of a prisoner in custody at the Pearland Jail. Sgt. Thomas advised a female who had been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated the night prior was in the process of being arraigned by the Justice of the Peace and collapsed in her jail cell. The female was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. Detective DeSpain proceeded to the Pearland Jail where I met with Sgt. Thomas.

Detective DeSpain discovered the deceased female was identified as Sabra Lynette Coverdale, B/F, DOB 01/01/1967. Coverdale was arrested on 01/17/2015, at about 2030 hours, for Driving While Intoxicated (Aggravated) - BAC>0.15. Coverdale provided a specimen of her breath as part of the DWI investigation which showed her BAC was .250 at 2132 hours and .259 at 2135 hours.

Detective DeSpain interviewed Jailer Rivera who stated about 0705 hours he was in the female section of the jail and was waking the females up so they can be magistrated. Jailer Rivera said he opened the door to cell #1 and awakened the females. Jailer Rivera said both females (Sabra Coverdale and Kimberly Cerny) in the cell acknowledged they were awake so he walked to cell #2 to wake up the prisoners in that cell. Jailer Rivera said while standing in cell #2 he heard a "thud" coming from cell #1. Jailer Rivera asked Cerny who was standing outside of the cell in the hallway did Coverdale fall and she replied yes. Jailer Rivera returned to cell #1 and observed Coverdale lying on the cell floor. Jailer Rivera left to summons help and returned with Jailer Appman.

A medical assessment was done on Coverdale and it was decided to utilize the Automated External Defibrillator in addition to calling for Pearland EMS and the on-duty police supervisor. Pearland Ems arrived a short time later and Coverdale was transported to the hospital. Detective DeSpain spoke with prisoner, Kimberly Cerny, who stated she and Coverdale was awakened by the jailer. Cerny said she stepped out of the jail cell and was standing in the hallway.

Cerny said she heard a noise from inside the jail cell and saw that Coverdale had fallen. Cerny said she and Coverdale never spoke the entire time they were in the jail cell nor did she ever hear her complain of medical issues. Detective DeSpain spoke with Pearland EMS Paramedic K. Collins who stated once Pearland EMS arrived and began medical assessment that Coverdale had no signs of life. Detective DeSpain reviewed the surveillance video from the jail cell where he observed Jailer Rivera at 0707 hours enter the jail cell.

Coverdale is seen standing up in the cell and takes several steps towards the cell door. Coverdale stops walking, appearing to instantaneously stiffen and fall backwards to the floor without any attempt to brace herself. A copy of the surveillance video was made and turned in as evidence. Detective DeSpain called and spoke with Harris County Medical Examiner Investigator Bethany Bless. Bless was aware of the death as she was notified by Memorial Hermann Hospital. Detective Despain relayed the circumstances to Investigator Bless and she stated the medical examiner`s case is ML15-0252. On 01/19/2015,

Detective Despain spoke with Harris County Medical Examiner Dr. D. Johnson who conducted the autopsy on Coverdale. Dr. Johnson stated the results of the autopsy were inconclusive. Dr. Johnson she would be waiting for toxicology and additional microscopic testing before a final opinion is rendered. The Pearland Police Department case number is 15000547. In a saner world Sabra Lynette Coverdale is remembered as a very successful and generous woman: Sabra Lynette Coverdale of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died on January 18 at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was 52.

Ms. Coverdale was born November 15, 1962, to Berry Ann Boxley and William David Coverdale in Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia. She attended Germantown Friends School from kindergarten through graduation. In 1979, at the age of 16, she was accepted to Cornell University in Ithaca, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science. She later went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, in 1986, earning an MBA in entrepreneurial management and strategic planning. Her career as an information technology and services specialist landed her a summer position with Compaq, which then became a full-time job in 2000. With that, she was then able to move to Hewlett-Packard in 2002 and continue with a career in corporate America until 2009. During her career she was able to travel to many exotic locations including Africa, Asia and Europe, an opportunity she relished.

Survivors said Ms. Coverdale later embarked on a different kind of voyage when she announced that she was expecting her first child, Blake Taylor. Two years later she revealed that she was expecting a second child, Brent Taylor. She took pride in her appearance and carried herself with style and grace. Survivors said that when she entered a room her pleasant personality was felt and her infectious smile brightened her surroundings.

Ms. Coverdale was proud of her Shinnecock heritage, was very passionate about youth, and supported higher education and cultural enrichment. She contributed yearly to the Shinnecock Nations Youth Council in memory of her father, the late William “Bunky” Coverdale, who was an advisor to the council. With her generous endowments, the young council members were able to travel yearly to the National Unity conferences throughout the country. She also donated computers to Southampton Day Care, which her children attended.

Ms. Coverdale was predeceased by a sister, Stacey J. Coverdale, and her father, William D. Coverdale. She is survived by her sons, Blake Taylor and Brent Taylor, and their father, Ollie Taylor; her mother, Berry Ann Boxley; three sisters, Sabrina Bess, Selena Coverdale and Shari Holloway; a niece, Chenoa Curry; three nephews, Christopher Jenerette, Kendel Jenerette and Seth Holloway; and many cousins and friends. A viewing and funeral service were held on Saturday at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Michael Smith officiating. Burial followed at Shinnecock Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.

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