Hays County corrections officer indicted in deadly shooting of inmate
Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for April 7, 2023.
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- A Hays County corrections officer was indicted in a deadly shooting of an inmate at a Kyle hospital in December.
According to a press release from the Hays County Sheriff's Office, a Hays County grand jury indicted the officer involved in the shooting of Joshua Wright, who was being held pre-trial at the time of the shooting.
The officer was identified by Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins as Isaiah Garcia, 27. Garcia had worked as a corrections officer for HCSO since 2018. He was on duty guarding Wright when the shooting happened.
Garcia was indicted on a deadly conduct charge.
HCSO previously said Wright tried to escape while receiving medical treatment at Seton Hospital in Kyle and assaulted Garcia, then ran on foot through the emergency room.
Garcia shot Wright, and medical staff began life-saving measures, but he died, HCSO said.
Garcia was placed on administrative leave after the shooting.
One day after the shooting, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a statement, demanding clarity and that body cam video be released.
Deadly conduct is charged in this case as a third-degree felony offense, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to a release from the district attorney's office.
Garcia surrendered to authorities and was released on a $20,000 bond, according to DA Higgins.
The Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the shooting. According to the district attorney's office, the results of that investigation, including the video captured by Garcia’s body-worn camera, were presented to the grand jury.