The family of a 39-year-old man who passed away while in custody has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Galveston County Sheriff's Office. The lawsuit claims that jail staff neglected to provide necessary medical care following an incident involving excessive force by an officer.
A lawsuit has been initiated by civil rights attorney Randall Callinen, targeting Galveston County, the jail, and multiple individuals in relation to the death of Saul Vargas in 2024.
Candalaria Palacios, Vargas's wife, stated, “Our demand is for justice, and we seek an end to this situation.”
Authorities report that Vargas has been detained at the county jail for approximately one week after being arrested on charges related to the fraudulent use of a credit card. The Texas Rangers subsequently launched an investigation into the incident.
Authorities reported that Vargas engaged in a struggle while being transferred to an isolation cell and was subsequently tased during the incident. He was subsequently discovered unresponsive. The medical examiner has concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia resulting from neck compression.
Prosecutors have accused detention officer Skylar Chapman of causing the death of Vargas by allegedly placing a knee or leg on his neck. Chapman, 27, faces charges of criminally negligent homicide.
A lawsuit has been filed alleging that surveillance footage captures Vargas in a state of distress for a prolonged duration, with no assistance provided, even though several staff members were on the scene.
“His arm was positioned in this manner, and he maintained that stance for 20 minutes as onlookers observed him,” Callinen stated. “He required urgent medical attention.”
The family contends that prompt intervention might have prevented his death. “Had there been an earlier intervention, it is likely he would have survived,” Callinen stated.
The lawsuit aims to hold accountable not just the officer facing charges, but also others whom the family claims did not take appropriate action.
Authorities from the sheriff’s office have yet to issue a public statement regarding the allegations outlined in the lawsuit.
The incident contributes to the increasing examination of fatalities occurring in custody and the application of force protocols within regional detention centers.
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