Banning, CA – 31–year-old Christopher Martinez of Norwalk died in custody of Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on August 2, 2025.
Incident Details
At 8:29 p.m. deputies were alerted to Martinez having a medical emergency in a housing unit cell. Jail medical personnel administered emergency medical assistance, and Martinez would be transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, his condition worsened despite the efforts of hospital medical staff, and he would be pronounced dead by doctors.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Corrections Central Investigations is leading the investigation into Martinez’s death.
Custodial Medical Care & Constitutional Standards
Under the Fourteenth Amendment, pre-trial detainees are afforded the right to medical care. Authorities must not exhibit deliberate indifference to serious health needs. Legal experts may explore whether medical screenings and emergency responses met established standards. Delays or failures in care could support civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Seeking Accountability for In-Custody Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Christopher Martinez.
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
