AMARILLO, TX – Two Texas prison guards have been arrested after allegedly refusing to assist an inmate who died in a cell fire at the William P. Clements Unit in Amarillo. The guards, Sgt. Crystal Janelle West and Lt. William Eugene Romero, now face felony charges in connection with the fatal incident.
Incident Details
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), at approximately 3:18 a.m. on Sunday, staff entered a cell after an inmate had set fire to his mattress and became unresponsive. Despite visible flames and smoke, the guards allegedly refused to open the cell door or the food tray slot, leaving the inmate trapped.
The inmate, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead less than an hour later. The cell where the incident occurred is part of the prison’s extended cell block, which is its highest-security area.
Alleged Refusal to Act
An anonymous source reported that the inmate was instructed to place his hands through the food tray opening to be restrained, but he refused. Guards then contacted Sgt. West, who sought assistance from Lt. Romero.
Romero reportedly told West: “It’s just gonna stay shut. We’re not opening it. It’s a safety risk.” According to the source, West returned to the cell about an hour later but refused to help the inmate in any way, leaving him trapped as the fire spread.
Charges and Legal Action
TDCJ confirmed that the two employees were arrested on Sunday. Sgt. West has been charged with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, while Lt. Romero faces criminal negligence homicide, classified as a state jail felony. Both guards are no longer employed by the agency.
As of Tuesday afternoon, West was being held on a $200,000 bond, and Romero on a $150,000 bond, at the Potter County Detention Center. Court dates have not yet been announced.
The Office of the Inspector General and the Special Prosecution Unit are actively investigating the case to ensure accountability and prosecution.
Prison and Public Response
TDCJ emphasized that it could not release additional information while the criminal investigation is ongoing. Officials stated:
“The agency is working closely with law enforcement so that those staff who allegedly failed to act will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The incident has raised concerns about prison staff protocols and the handling of emergency situations involving inmates. Legal and human rights experts have noted that the case underscores the importance of timely intervention during life-threatening incidents in correctional facilities.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your opinion in the comments below and discuss whether prison policies should be reformed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
