Thread by @TexasTribune

1/ Thousands of incarcerated people that were approved for parole remain behind bars as the pandemic continues.

Many have been waiting six months or longer. In that time, Texas has seen more people in prison die with COVID-19 than any other state. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

2/ Since March, over 13,500 incarcerated people in Texas have tested positive for coronavirus, and at least 94 have died with the virus as of Wednesday. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

3/ Despite pleas to immediately release those who are granted parole, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has repeatedly said it has not changed how it makes parole decisions. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

4/ James Allen Smith was only supposed to be at a Texas prison for months to undergo a drug and alcohol rehab program.

Instead, he got the coronavirus and died in prison custody. bit.ly/2OS2MXT

5/ Other people who were approved for parole have been told they’re still behind bars because there’s nowhere to send them.

Some are told they can't leave until the pandemic is “done and over.” Some are told nothing. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

6/ Theodore “Cigo” Crews died in a prison hospital this month. He was diagnosed with cancer 30 days after being granted parole.

His daughter believes harsh conditions and poor food served during coronavirus lockup quickened his death. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

7/ The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is currently defending itself in a lawsuit that questions whether the agency protected incarcerated people at the geriatric Pack Unit.

At least 19 men have died with the virus there. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

8/ State attorneys argued that the question of parole is irrelevant since the lawsuit focuses on how TDCJ protects incarcerated people. bit.ly/3jwMVwb

9/9 Advocates and epidemiologists have said for months that releasing inmates is the most effective strategy to promote social distancing and keep infections from spreading. bit.ly/3jwMVwb