Accountability.
Two former Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees were arrested after 39-year-old Corey Shawn Bavousett died following a fire in his cell at the William P. “Bill” Clements Unit on October 5, 2025.
Crystal Janelle West, a former sergeant, was charged with manslaughter. William Eugene Romero, a former lieutenant, was charged with criminally negligent homicide. TDCJ said the arrests concerned an alleged failure to render aid. Both employees were dismissed from the agency.
Records said Bavousett became unresponsive after starting a fire in his cell and was pronounced dead at 4:09 a.m. The charges are allegations, not convictions; both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.