JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family members of a 50-year-old Duval County inmate raised concerns about his health while incarcerated in the Duval County jail.
Donald Mark Tyre’s family told News4JAX he’s suffering from a serious medical condition and said they worry he isn’t receiving the care he needs.
Tyre was arrested in December 2024 on charges of stealing copper and resisting arrest. He pleaded no contest to resisting arrest, but is still awaiting trial on the other charge.
Kim Parker, Tyre’s cousin, said that while behind bars, his health has taken a dramatic turn. She also said she’s concerned his well-being is being ignored.
“I understand that jail is not supposed to be a picnic, but it’s also not a place where a person should go and suffer and risk death,” Parker said.
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Parker said a kidney infection during his incarceration required a catheter.
Since being jailed, Tyre told his family he needs the catheter removed, and said he’s only been given Tylenol, despite filing three requests for medical attention.
“He has communicated with us that he’s in a great deal of pain, and that his hands swell and he can’t open them, and my concern is that he could be septic, or be well on the way to having a serious infection he’s not being treated for,” Parker said.
Tyre’s attorney, Vivian Williams, said she saw his condition firsthand in court one morning.
“He was having some excruciating pain and attempted to see a doctor multiple times while in the jail, and unfortunately, those pleas were unheard,” Williams said.
Williams said the correctional facility requires inmates to fill out medical request forms for non-routine issues before being approved for a medical exam.
News4JAX reached out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to inquire about Tyre’s condition.
According to JSO, Tyre has been evaluated and treated by medical personnel within the facility.
“None of Tyre’s requests for medical care have been denied or delayed,” JSO wrote. “Tyre continues to be seen when he requests to do so.”
JSO also said it is “committed to providing medical care to its inmate population.”
Parker said the hardest part is waiting to hear this information from Tyre himself.
“I truly hope he gets seen and has his concerns taken to heart,” Parker said.
Lawyers not associated with Tyre’s case said if someone is concerned about a loved one who’s in the Duval County jail, they can contact the chaplain at the jail or have a medical provider check on the inmate for them.
Tyre’s lawyer said she is waiting on medical documentation regarding her client’s checkups and status.
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