in custodyApple Valley, CA  — 32-year-old Cesar Villalpando of Apple Valley has died while in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. 

Incident Overview

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to reports of a disturbance at a Walgreens on Bear Valley Road shortly after 4 p.m. on  May 10, 2025. A man, later identified as Villalpando  was allegedly behaving erratically and appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Villalpando would be detained without incident, and medical personnel would evaluate and clear him for booking. However, upon arriving at the High Desert Detention Center an hour later, he would be found unresponsive. Deputies administered Narcan while jail medical staff attempted life-saving measures, and Villalpando would be taken to a local hospital, where he would be pronounced dead shortly after.

The exact cause of death has not yet been determined. The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division is conducting an in-custody death investigation, while the Riverside County Coroner will determine the manner and cause of death. . 

Legal Standards and Broader Trends for In-Custody Deaths

California continues to face scrutiny over the number of in-custody deaths reported each year. According to a California Department of Justice report, over 1,000 in-custody deaths occurred in California detention facilities between 2010 and 2020. Substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and a lack of adequate medical care are frequently cited as contributing factors.

Federal law—specifically 42 U.S. Code § 1983—allows individuals or their families to bring civil rights claims against law enforcement when misconduct or negligence leads to serious injury or death. In cases where medical needs are ignored while a person is in custody, it may constitute a violation of the Eighth or Fourteenth Amendments.

Seeking Accountability for In-Custody Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Cesar Villalpando.

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 may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.