Inmate Dies After Being Found Unresponsive at Jefferson County Correctional Facility

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — An inmate at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility has died after being found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday night, marking the second inmate death at the facility in less than two months.

According to officials, Anthony Mickens was discovered unresponsive during routine rounds at the jail on the night of January 7, 2026. Correctional officers and jail medical staff immediately initiated life-saving measures. Mickens was then transported by Emergency Medical Services to a local hospital, where he later died.

Facility officials confirmed that Mickens’ family has been notified.

In accordance with standard protocol, the Texas Rangers have been contacted to conduct an independent investigation into the death. The incident is also under internal review by the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. No additional details regarding the cause of death have been released at this time.

This is the second inmate death reported at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility in approximately seven weeks.

On November 17, 2025, an unnamed inmate was found unresponsive after attempting to break up a fight inside a dorm at the facility. Correctional officers performed CPR, and the inmate was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

An autopsy later revealed blunt force trauma, and the death was ruled a homicide. That incident resulted in criminal charges, and Kenneth Trapp of Nederland was subsequently indicted on a manslaughter charge in connection with the inmate’s death.

Both cases involved Texas Ranger investigations, which are standard procedure for in-custody deaths.

Authorities have not indicated whether the two incidents are related. The investigation into Mickens’ death remains ongoing.