Comeaux was originally in prison for indecency with a child, a charge filed against him in 1984. He got out only to return to prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child in 1997. In 1999, he stabbed his wife while she was visiting him in prison and also stabbed a man who came to her aid. For these stabbing crimes, he was sentenced to 2 life sentences. He claims that he is paralyzed from suffering strokes. Doctors at the prison have written in reports that he does not have paralysis from these strokes and that the use of his wheelchair is probably not necessary. Comeaux even sued the prison citing cruel and unusual punishment being that his wheelchair was not good enough quality, and that he was unfairly segregated from other prisoners because he needed wheelchair access cells. Thankfully, the judge overturned his claims, stating that if Comeaux's legs worked well enough for him to be able to stab two people in 99, then he shouldn't be complaining. At least someone has some sense.
So, why was there not more security covering a man that is a rapist, and who is obviously violent and has been violent on prison grounds. Apparently the prison thought they needn't worry that this prisoner would escape because he was bound to his wheelchair. Well, as we can see now, they were wrong and the search for Comeaux is still underway. I think the prison, after medically testing Comeaux and determining he did not need the wheelchair, should have recognized him as a true threat and provided much more security during his transport. Senate Criminal Justice Comittee Chairman John Whitmire agrees, and has been calling for tighter security in prisons. There have been many escapes from prisons in Texas recently, a fact that should get public officials moving on new standards for security, especially when prisoners are being transported. But, because of the lack of security in this case, Texans have to worry about a dangerous man on the loose, a man who is much quicker on his feet than many people thought.
Jen, I agree with your post that there does need to be an increased security in prisons throughout Texas. It is obvious that Comeaux needed one on one supervision due to his past history of crime. If this hasnt opened the eyes of Texans than I do not know what would. Hopefully this does cause a change in the way security in the prison system is dealt with and invest the money into fully staffing the prison for the security of inmates and the safety of fellow Americans.
ReplyDeleteIt is really surprising to me that Texas does not provide efficient security during prisioner transportation considering the fact that Texas has a reputation for having a VERY strong, and almost overbearing punishment system. But maybe some of the state's correctional department does need to focus a little more on transportation rather than just the facilties. Also, it is really surprising to me that Comeaux got away for so many years with pretending to have extensive paralysis. He lived a lie. With such a criminal that has been able to stab two people within the confines of the prison ground, it should be obvious that tighter security is needed in his transportation to another prison. I agree with Jen. Beacuse of the lack of security (at a time where the prisoner needs to most security, transportation) a dangerous man is on the loose.
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