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A Hays County corrections officer has been charged with a felony offense following the fatal shooting of 36-year-old inmate Joshua Wright, which occurred in December of last year.
Isaiah Garcia, 27 years old, was charged by a Hays County grand jury last week with the felony offense of deadly conduct following its review of the shooting incident on December 12, 2022, according to Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins. Wright was on duty guarding the inmate at the Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle when the shooting occurred. No longer employed with Hays County, Garcia surrendered to authorities last week in Comal County and was released on a $20,000 bond. An arraignment date has not yet been set.
“A grand jury is composed of 12 citizens from Hays County and serves as an independent voice of the community,” Higgins explained. “The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office presented the results of the investigation. After hearing the evidence, the grand jury determined that the offense of deadly conduct was the most appropriate charge.”
Deadly conduct, as charged in this indictment, is a third-degree felony with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
“While the Hays County Sheriff’s Office strongly supports our deputies and corrections officers and the duties, many of which put their safety at risk, that they must carry out on a daily basis, we also respect and honor the criminal justice process, including yesterday’s decision by the grand jury to move forward with charges in this case,” a statement from the HCSO said on April 7. “The Hays County Sheriff’s Office again offers its deepest sympathies to the Wright family. It is our sincere hope that all of the citizens of Hays County can come together to foster peace in our community and our country.”
The Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the shooting. The results of that investigation, including the video captured by Garcia’s body-worn camera, were presented to the grand jury. The Criminal District Attorney’s Office said it will not release the video to the public until the case has been resolved.
“Premature release of video evidence would undermine the availability of an unprejudiced jury pool,” the county said in a statement. “When the people of Hays County view any video evidence in this or any matter, it will be under the control of the court and in good faith compliance with the requirements of due process.
The Criminal District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case. No additional information is available at this time.
