Riverside — 19-year-old Ezekiel Cuenca-Torres of Riverside died on January 1, 2026, while in the custody of Robert Presley Detention Center, according to information released by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. jail cell

Incident Details

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies located Cuenca-Torres unresponsive in a housing unit cell. Both corrections staff and jail medical personnel administered life-saving measures, followed by responding paramedics, but Cuenca-Torres was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The case is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Corrections Central Investigations Unit, while the Coroner’s Bureau will determine the official cause and manner of death.

Legal Oversight and Standards 

California requires law enforcement agencies to report all deaths in custody under California Government Code § 12525.

Investigators will evaluate:

  • Whether appropriate monitoring and safety-check procedures were followed 
  • The timeliness and adequacy of the medical response 
  • Whether any environmental or procedural factors contributed to the emergency 
  • Compliance with state and local jail-safety standards 

If authorities determine that unconstitutional conduct, negligence, or inadequate medical care contributed to the death, families may pursue civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths

If you witnessed this incident, knew Ezekiel Cuenca-Torres, or are seeking to understand your rights, consider the following steps:

1. Request Public Records

This may include medical logs, transportation-area surveillance footage, emergency-response records, and coroner findings.

2. Preserve Any Evidence You Have

Document the time, location, and what you observed. Save any videos, photos, or notes related to the incident.

3. Consult with a Civil-Rights Attorney

Families may have legal options when deaths in custody raise questions about medical response, jail policies, or constitutional protections.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by an in-custody death such as this one involving Ezekiel Cuenca-Torres, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the confidential form at the bottom of this page to speak 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 will update or remove the post as needed.