Monterey – Dannon Black of Scotts Valley was arrested by Monterey Police charged with involuntary manslaughter and elder abuse after an elderly man died in his care. 
Incident Overview
On February 17, 2026, Monterey Police Department officers responded to a report of a possible narcotics overdose just before 2:00 p.m. at a residence in the 1200 block of Aguajito Road. Emergency responders pronounced the victim — a man in his 70s — dead at the scene.
Investigators allege that Black had acted as an informal caregiver and that the two had been engaged in consensual drug use prior to the overdose. Police allege that Black administered ketamine to the victim while he was using methamphetamine himself — and shortly thereafter, the victim experienced a medical emergency that led to his death at the scene.
Authorities say this was not the first time Black was involved in a dangerous drug incident with the victim, pointing to a previous occasion on December 30, 2025. The victim suffered a non-fatal overdose and was hospitalized but would recover.
Black was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter under California Penal Code § 192(b) and elder abuse under Penal Code § 368(b)(1). He was also booked on a drug possession charge and held in jail with bail set at $50,000.
Elder Abuse — California Penal Code § 368(b)(1)
California’s elder abuse statute makes it a felony for a caregiver or person responsible for the care of an elder (typically age 65 or older) to willfully cause or permit unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or inflict unjustifiable harm — including through negligent acts or omissions. When elder abuse results in death, it can lead to aggravated charges and sentencing enhancements.
Civil Remedies Separate from Criminal Prosecution
Even though criminal charges address public safety and punishment, families also have civil options in the wake of fatal misconduct involving elders, including:
- Wrongful death claims
- Elder abuse and neglect civil claims
- Negligence or negligent supervision claims
Civil cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering — and may proceed independently of the criminal prosecution.
In elder abuse civil claims, plaintiffs typically must show that the caregiver owed a duty of care to the elder, that the duty was breached, and that the breach caused harm or death. This standard differs from criminal guilt, and damages in civil court can provide a measure of justice and accountability when families have lost a loved one.
Seeking Accountability for Elder Abuse
If a vulnerable loved one dies under suspicious or concerning circumstances — especially involving drugs, neglect, or abusive conduct — families should consider the following:
- Obtain all official records such as incident reports, medical records, coroner’s reports, and law enforcement records.
- Preserve evidence, including witness statements, communications, photos, and any available surveillance footage.
- Consult experienced counsel: Criminal prosecution does not bar separate civil action — and an attorney can advise on both avenues.
- Understand statutory protections: California’s elder abuse statutes and wrongful death laws provide specific bases for holding caregivers and responsible parties accountable.
If your loved one has been harmed by a negligent or fraudulent caregiver such as Dannon Black, you may be entitled to compensation and justice. 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. Our attorneys can help you navigate complex healthcare fraud and elder abuse cases and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
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.
