Tammy Knatt, 39
Dallas, Texas
May 03, 2007
Agencies: Texas Commission on Jail Standards | Texas Jail Project | Lew Sterrett Justice Center Dallas Texas
Cause of death: Not Yet Known
Last updated: almost 4 years ago
Overview 
On 05-03-07, I was called out to Parkland Memorial Hospital (PMH)in reference to a custodial death that occurred earlier that day. I met Detention Officer T. Smith #3187 at PMH. The Officer advised while she was feeding the inmates on her floor, complainant who was identified as Tammy Knatt B/F 02-02-68, was called and nobody answered. Another inmate told the Officer that she thought the complainant was sleeping. The Officer noticed the complainant appeared to be sleeping on the top bunk in the jail cell. The Officer attempted to wake up the complainant who was unresponsive. The Officer called for the nurse who responded and started CPR on the complainant. The complainant was transported to PMH by paramedics. At the hospital I also met Registered Nurse Shala Sharp who advised, it appears there was no obviouse trauma and the death appears to be natural. The complainant was pronounced dead by Dr. Lopez at PMH at 11:20am. On 05-03-07 at 1:07pm, I contacted the cousin of the complainant Melvin Hightower and made notification to him. I later advised Medical Examiner Field Agent Nicole Newquest who also contacted Hightower. On 05-04-07, an autopsy was performed where there was no obvious signs of trauma. Toxicology and hystology tests were done that are pending at this time. It appears the cause of death is natural. This custodial death report is complete. This report is for information.
Community and Family Efforts
Additional Resources:
- https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/criminal/custodial/report_deaths.php added August 14, 2016 05:32
- http://texasjusticeinitiative.org/ added August 14, 2016 05:32