Evan Griffin Lee’s memorial was held as his mother continues to seek answers about his death in Harris County Jail custody a year ago. Lawmakers from Houston and Washington proposed legislation to reform the facility.
According to Lee’s mother, Evan was arrested on a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon while walking home from a neighborhood store in Arcola.
She was notified by Ben Taub Hospital months later that her son required emergency surgery due to head trauma caused by blood trapped between his brain and skull.
Pictures from the rally show Evan in a hospital bed, handcuffed to it, and brain-dead. After 12 days in the hospital, his organs were donated. Evan is among the 28 deaths reported at the jail for 2022, and four deaths have been reported this year.
Following a failed state inspection, a new plan was approved by county commissioners, including body-worn cameras for all staff, a new detention captain, and a family coordinator for inmates.
House Member Ron Reynolds announced a measure specifically for Harris County, calling for thorough investigations into each death reported at the facility.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee says she is negotiating with the DOJ about providing additional assistance for the Harris County jail and a civil rights investigation. Evan’s mother pledged to continue fighting for change.
