HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County corrections officer that shot and killed an inmate in December 2022 has been indicted by a grand jury Friday morning.
In December 2022, Joshua Wright was killed at a Seton Hospital in Kyle. At the time, Wright was an inmate being held on pre-trial detention for alleged unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. While in the hospital receiving medical attention, Wright allegedly assaulted a corrections officer and attempted to leave the emergency room.
The family of Wright stated that an independent autopsy showed that the officer shot Wright from behind.
Now, the officer, identified as Isaiah Garcia, 27, is no longer employed by the Hays County Sheriff's Office and has been indicted by the grand jury in the county. The officer has been indicted on a felony offense of deadly conduct charge.
Deadly conduct is a third-degree felony charge with a possible punishment time of two to 10 years in prison, alongside a fine of $10,000. Garcia surrendered to police and was released on a $25,000 personal bond.
"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 release stated.
Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting the case.
The attorneys representing Wright's family released the following statement after the charge was announced:
“The family of Joshua Wright is relieved by news of this indictment, as it gets us one step closer to ensuring that former officer Garcia will be held accountable for his deadly actions. It is crucial that when officers act violently and against protocol, that they and the departments that train them are held responsible for their actions to ensure that these killings stop happening. We will continue to support the Wright family through the legal process and lift them up in prayer as we fight for justice for Joshua.”