Redding — 24-year-old Michael Kennith Jorgenson was found unresponsive in his cell at Shasta County Jail on October 26, 2025 and later died after being transported to a local hospital. and the jail’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.
Incident Details
At around 12:18 a.m on October 26, correctional deputies found Jorgenson unresponsive with no pulse on the floor of his cell. Jail medical staff initiated life-saving measures which were then continued by arriving paramedics Jorgenson would be transported to a local hospital, but would be pronounced dead at 1:05 a.m.
The sheriff’s office Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, alongside the Redding Police Department’s Detective Division.
Legal & Custodial Standards
- As a detainee held in custody, Jorgenson was protected by the Fourteenth Amendment right against “deliberate indifference” to serious medical needs. Failure to provide timely or proper medical care may lead to legal claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
- California law requires that in-custody deaths be properly reported and reviewed. Investigators will assess:
- Whether medical screening at intake identified any risk factors
- Whether cell safety and welfare checks adhered to required intervals
- Whether timely emergency response was initiated once unresponsiveness was noted
Seeking Accountability for In-Custody Deaths
If your loved one has died or suffered harm while in custody, here are key steps to consider:
- Request records including safety check logs, medical screening records, incident reports, cell-check intervals, and video footage if available.
- Obtain autopsy and toxicology reports when released by the county coroner.
- Consult legal counsel experienced in custody death and civil rights matters to assess whether protocols were followed and if legal claims may be available.
- Stay informed—ask for updates from the sheriff’s office, coroner, and oversight agencies to ensure transparency in the investigation.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident such as this one involving Michael Kennith Jorgensonl, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
