pexels-rdne-stock-project-6519848Alonzo Thongkham Died In Custody While Being Held At The West County Detention Facility In Richmond

RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA (September 14, 2024) – A 27-year-old inmate identified as Alonzo Thongkh has tragically died in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.

Contra Costa County officials are saying that the incident took place on August 22. Alonzo Thongkh was initially arrested by the San Ramon Police Department and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

He was then transferred to the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. Correctional officers noticed that he was unresponsive in his cell.

Jail staff began life-saving measures, which were taken over by paramedics. Sadly, Alonzo Thongkh was pronounced dead at the scene.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Contra Costa County Inmate Deaths

Thousands of inmates die in custody every year. According to the Behind Bars Data Project, “In 2020, at least 6,182 people died in U.S. prisons. This is a 46% increase in the lives lost behind bars from 2019, despite a 10% decrease in the overall prison population. The U.S. has seen a significant, continual increase in deaths in prisons over the past two decades, but never before have the country’s prisons seen such a steep increase year-to-year.” Jails should take a number of measures in order to prevent inmate deaths.

  • Inmates should have a thorough health screening before they are admitted into the prison.
  • Inmates should receive periodic wellness checks during their stay.
  • Jails should be stocked with Narcan to prevent overdose deaths.

Jails have a legal obligation to provide adequate care for all inmates. This must begin when an inmate is first admitted. 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 important that evidence related to any death is properly preserved.

  • Medical records should be sought.
  • An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
  • The actions of jail officials prior to the death should be understood.

Jails are often quick to claim that many deaths in their custody are “natural.” But the fact of the matter is that many of these supposedly natural deaths involve inmates that are very young. Indeed, many of these deaths involve some amount of medical neglect. The family of any inmate who died in custody may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.

Investigating Contra Costa County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Alonzo Thongkham. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of this man’s family.

Do you need more information about a Contra Costa County inmate death? 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 jails are held accountable for their unconstitutional actions. 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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