The family of a 32-year-old Houston man who died last month after Harris County Jail officers held him down and attempted to tase him says he was failed by “every single system that was supposed to ensure his safety.”

A 17-minute video released August 1 by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office shows Alexis Jovany Cardenas resisting officers who were attempting to escort him out of the jail for release. His family says he was in a mental health crisis.

“I think he was experiencing depression and hopelessness,” Cardenas’ cousin Melissa said shortly after his death. “What person in their right mind wouldn’t want to leave jail? If he’s telling you, ‘I feel unsafe leaving,’ call someone over to help him. Take him to the mental health facility.”

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at a rece

See Full Page