In Marble Falls, Texas, the tragic death of 13-year-old Daynon Lewis in 1965 has resurfaced after nearly 60 years, sparking discussions about the flaws in the Texas inquest system. Daynon was found hanging by a jump rope in a shed behind her family’s home. The local Justice of the Peace at the time, Carlyle “C.B.” Wall, quickly ruled her death as an accidental strangulation without ordering an autopsy.
The community was rife with rumors of foul play, with some suggesting a peeping Tom in the neighborhood or someone closer to Daynon might have been involved. However, no one was ever arrested, and the case was eventually forgotten, leaving many questions unanswered.
Today, the system for inquests in Texas remains largely unchanged, with Justices of the Peace often lacking medical or legal backgrounds to make such critical determinations. The case of Daynon Lewis sheds light on the need for more modern methods and expertise in death investigations.
In recent years, there have been efforts to improve the system, with some counties partnering for regional medical examiner services. However, many counties still rely on Justices of the Peace to conduct inquests, leading to potential oversights and discrepancies in death investigations.
As the debate around the Texas inquest system continues, it is crucial to revisit cases like Daynon Lewis’ to ensure that justice is served and that the dignity of the deceased is preserved. Through ongoing reviews and updates to death certificates, there is hope that the truth behind such tragic incidents can be uncovered and that lessons can be learned to prevent similar cases in the future.
