SAN ANTONIO -- The man accused of murdering an Alamo Heights high school teacher says he was beat up by deputies in the Bexar County Jail.

The lawyer representing Ronnie Neal, 33, said his client was severely beaten last week. Neal is charged with capital murder. He is charged with raping and killing Diane Tilly in November.

Officials at the jail acknowledge deputies injured Neal, but they say he got those injuries after taking a swing at one of the correctional officers.

Neal's attorney said that Neal's sister tried to visit him in jail last Wednesday. That meeting was cancelled, and she returned the following day. On her return, she said she could see he had several visible injuries.

His attorney said Neal has two cracked ribs, a concussion and several bruises.

Neal reportedly told his sister the deputies threatened him with death and threatened to injure her.

Jail officials tell a different story. They say Neal assaulted a deputy and may have received his injuries when he was subsequently subdued.

"They're not here to be injured," said Capt. Ron Sanchez, of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. And he doesn't believe they did anything wrong.

"He did take a swing at the officer," Sanchez said. "They acted appropriately in restraining him and canceling the visit. Because of the disruptive behavior, though, he has been put in administrative segregation, which requires him to be housed separately from the other inmates."

Sanchez said that if Neal makes a formal complaint, his office would investigate the matter. Neal has not yet filed any complaint.

Neal is due for a court appearance Thursday in connection with the Tilly case.