Bakersfield, CA – 28-year-old Angel Freddy Balbuena of Wasco was found dead while in custody at the Lerdo Justice Facility. The incident was reported on March 13, 2025.
Incident Details
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Balbuena had been booked and was awaiting trial at the Lerdo Justice Facility. Few details regarding the incident have been released.
The exact cause of death remains under investigation, and an autopsy is expected to be performed by the Kern County Coroner’s Office.
Legal Concerns for In-Custody Deaths
When a person dies while in custody, questions often arise about whether the facility took adequate measures to ensure the individual’s safety and well-being. Under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, families may pursue legal claims if it is determined that a constitutional right was violated due to neglect or improper conduct by government entities or their employees.
In California, the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) establishes standards for county jail operations, including health care, safety, and inmate welfare. If these standards are not met, affected families may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Angel Freddy Balbuena.
How can our firm assist with an investigation? Should you decide to consult with our firm, our investigation typically includes some or all the following investigative activities
- obtaining and reviewing medical records, autopsy reports and blood toxicology screening reports
- requesting a Public Records Request Act for documents and evidence for locating and interviewing critical witnesses to an incident
- subpoenaing third party entities if our firm is retained and a lawsuit is initiated
- securing surveillance video evidence, and at minimum, placing the jail entity on notice to preserve potential video and tangible evidence of an incident.
- identifying and contacting potential witnesses, if available.
What should I know if I want to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
Contact our experienced Civil Rights lawyers so we can analyze all your options and hear the specifics of your case. We will also assess your loved one’s history with the jail facility they were treated at. Having as much documentation and physical evidence as possible will help prove your wrongful death case so our attorneys can examine them and help bring you and your loved one justice.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident, 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 so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
