Inmate dies while in League City jail

LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- A Deer Park man jailed on drug possession charges has died while in police custody.

Richard David Benefiel, 33, was arrested at about 7:30am Monday after being found on a little-used road with the hood of his car up. League City police say he appeared intoxicated and a search turned up marijuana in the vehicle. Benefiel was booked into the city jail.

Officers asked Benefiel several times if he wanted to be taken to a hospital, but he refused.

Jailers checked on Benefiel, who later complained of body aches and Monday night requested help. He became unresponsive and died at a hospital.

An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.

Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices

Get more Local »

local

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•