pexels-ron-lach-10474996Edelidio Wallace, 64, Died In Los Angeles County Custody At Inmate Reception Center

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (July 22, 2024) – A 64-year-old inmate identified as Edelidio Wallace has died in custody at the Inmate Reception Center in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place on July 11. Correctional officers noticed that Edelidio Wallace was unresponsive in the Dayroom.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the inmate. Sadly, Edelidio Wallace was later pronounced dead.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths

Inmate deaths have become increasingly common in Los Angeles and across the country. Many of those who die in custody are never formally convicted of a crime. According to National Public Radio, “Unlike state and federal prisons, which hold people convicted of serious crimes, jails are locally run lockups meant to detain people awaiting arraignment or trial, or those serving short sentences. The toll of jail inmates who die without a case resolution subverts a fundamental tenet of the U.S. criminal justice system: innocent until proven guilty.” Inmates may die in custody due to a number of different causes.

  • Homicide
  • Suicide
  • Drug overdoses
  • Heart attacks
  • Cancer

Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from self-harm and attacks by other inmates. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.

  • Medical records should be preserved.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • The actions of correctional officers leading up to the death should be understood.
  • A thorough investigation should be conducted.

Jails and private healthcare facilities often fail in their duties to protect inmates. This may be due to incompetence or a lack of resources. It is important that inmates and their families understand that they do have rights. In particular, the family of any person who died in a county jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim.

Investigating Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Edelidio Wallace. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Every person should be treated with dignity, respect, and care, regardless of what they are accused of.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Los Angeles County jail? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

legal disclaimer
Legal Disclaimer