Inmate found hanging at Waller County jail

James Harper Howell, IV James Harper Howell, IV Photo: WCSO Photo: WCSO Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Inmate found hanging at Waller County jail 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Authorities are investigating the death of a 29-year-old inmate after he was discovered at Waller County jail Friday morning.

James Harper Howell IV, of Bandera, was found about 11:55 a.m. hanging from a bed sheet that was tied to a ceiling vent in one of the jail's day rooms, according to the Waller County Sheriff's Office.

It took deputies three days to locate and notify Howell's next of kin.

Deputies said Howell had been in custody since he was arrested Oct. 25 by the Department of Public Safety for assault on a public servant, evading arrest/detention with a vehicle and possession of marijuana, a felony.

On the day he was found hanging, he had been sitting in the day room by himself watching television. Jailers had routinely checked on him. He spoke with jailers and gave no indication he would engage in suicidal behavior.

The Texas Rangers, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, the Attorney General's Office and the Waller County District Attorney's Office are investigating the case.

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