Gonzalez on homicide suspect's in-custody death: 'No apparent signs of trauma or foul play'

Authorities said a 37-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his wife was found unresponsive in his cell and was pronounced dead at the hospital, Houston-based media outlets reported.

Benjamin Pierce is suspected of killing Leslie Ann Pierce at their residence on Friday morning (May 20). 

According to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that Benjamin Pierce occupied a single-person cell at the time of the apparent discovery.

"[On Saturday morning], inmate Benjamin Pierce (39), became unresponsive in a holding cell," Gonzalez tweeted. "Lifesaving measures were attempted, he was transported to a hospital and pronounced deceased. No apparent signs of trauma or foul play."

The sheriff then made a thread in which he explained the actions taken in response to an in-custody death.

"In accordance with state law related to any jail-based death in custody, an independent agency will investigate; HPD will be the investigative agency," he tweeted. "Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences will conduct a medical examination."

Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported that Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputies were summoned to the Pierce residence in the 3200 block of Painted Meadow Circle and discovered the dead body of 39-year-old Leslie Ann Pierce.

Benjamin Pierce purportedly called 911 to say that he stabbed his wife, authorities said, per the station.

The decedent was reportedly employed with the Katy Independent School District (KISD).

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the couple were allegedly embroiled in a divorce, with the custody of their young son a subject of heated debate.

According to authorities, the child was at home at the time of the incident but was unharmed, the station reported.

Authorities said, per KPRC, that the boy may have seen the attack on his mother.