BEXAR COUNTY — CaSandra Pearson, 29, died on May 17, 2026, after being found unresponsive in her jail cell at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Pearson was still breathing when discovered and received treatment from on-site University Health medical personnel before being transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

Pearson had been in custody since March 10, charged with harassment of a public servant and assault of hospital personnel on hospital property. Her family said she had sickle cell anemia and struggled with her mental health. As of Thursday, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office had not released an official cause of death.

Stephanie Shoels, Pearson’s aunt, said, “She was a daughter, a niece, a mother, a human being.” Shoels added, “Who heard her cries for help? And why was more not done? Because this is just not about one family anymore.”

Pearson’s family, along with advocacy nonprofit ACT 4 SA, called for full transparency in the investigation and demanded action to prevent similar deaths. ACT 4 SA held a vigil with Pearson’s family outside the Bexar County Adult Detention Center on Thursday night. Pearson is the fourth person to die in Bexar County Sheriff’s Office custody since the start of 2026. The Castle Hills Police Department is investigating what happened to Pearson. A Bexar County Sheriff’s Office news release stated, “It appears all policies and procedures were complied with.” A spokesperson for University Health said via email, “When a patient enters the Bexar County Detention Center with a medical condition, they are screened for mental and physical health issues and offered appropriate treatment. Federal confidentiality laws prevent us from discussing patient details, but we want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family.”