pexels-ron-lach-10474996Investigation Underway After Anthony Alvarez Died Following Suspected Attack At High Desert State Prison In Susanville

SUSANVILLE, CALIFORNIA (August 26, 2024) –  A 29-year-old inmate identified as Anthony Alvarez has died after a suspected attack at the High Desert State Prison in Susanville.

High Desert State Prison officials are saying that the incident took place around 5:45 p.m. on August 21. Anthony Alvarez was attacked in the prison’s dayroom.

Jail officials took him to the triage center in order to help him. He was apparently attacked with inmate-manufactured weapons.

Despite life-saving measures, Anthony Alvarez later died due to his injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Susanville Inmate Deaths

Thousands of inmates die in custody every year. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “A total of 4,234 persons died in state and federal prisons in 2019, a 6.6% decrease from the 4,515 deaths in 2018 reported to the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) Mortality in Correctional Institutions (MCI, formerly the Deaths in Custody Reporting Program) data collection.” Jails should take a number of measures in order to keep inmates safe.

  • Jails should ensure that all inmates get a thorough health screening before they are admitted.
  • Jails should work to separate rival gang members.
  • Jails should be adequately staffed at all times.

Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protection against attacks by other inmates. When a jail has reason to believe that an inmate is at risk of violence, they must take action. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the prospect that an inmate is at risk, this could form the basis of a civil claim. It is crucial that evidence is properly preserved after an inmate’s death.

  • The actions of jail officials before the deaths should be understood.
  • Surveillance footage should be sought.
  • Medical records related to the death should be sought.

It can be hard to know where to begin after an inmate’s death. The grief that a family feels is often compounded by a lack of transparency. It is important for inmates to understand that they do have rights. The family of any inmate who died in custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Susanville Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm were deeply concerned to hear about the death of Anthony Alvarez. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.

Do you need more information about an inmate death at the High Desert State Prison in Susanville? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that 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.

 

 

 

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