Local inmate dies under unreported circumstances

  • The Leblanc Unit sits seven miles south of Beaumont on the corner of Highway 69 and FM 3514
    The Leblanc Unit sits seven miles south of Beaumont on the corner of Highway 69 and FM 3514

A 54-year-old inmate at the Richard P. Leblanc Unit prison in Beaumont died July 12, according to family members who said they have received few details in the days since. 

According to Andres Maciel’s sister, Carol Zapata, prison officials say the Maciel died from “natural causes,” although they haven’t released more details or called back family members.

Zapata has left multiple voicemails for the prison's warden, Aaron Tompkins, but hasn't received a response, telling The Examiner, "We just want to know what happened to my brother."

As of publication, Warden Tompkins hasn't responded to calls from The Examiner, as well.