pexels-rdne-stock-project-6069522Investigation Underway After 33-Year-Old Inmate Died In Custody At Men’s Central Jail In Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (November 21, 2024) – A 33-year-old inmate has tragically died in custody while staying at the controversial Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident began on Thursday. Correctional officers noticed that the male inmate was unresponsive in his cell.

Medical staff were called to the scene in order to help the inmate. Life-saving measures were taken in order to resuscitate him.

But the inmate was not able to be revived. He was later pronounced dead.

His suspected cause of death was listed as a fentanyl overdose.

Legal Considerations for Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths

Drug overdoses are a major cause of inmate deaths. According to National Public Radio, “From 2001 to 2018, the number of people who have died of drug or alcohol intoxication in state prisons rose more than 600%, according to an analysis of newly-released data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In county jails, overdose deaths increased by more than 200%.” There are a number of signs associated with a fentanyl overdose.

  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Shallow breathing
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness

Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from drug overdoses. Sadly, though, LA County jails are notorious for the amount of illicit drugs that get smuggled in. There are several measures that jails should take in order to prevent overdose deaths.

  • Jail staff should be trained to recognize the signs of an overdose.
  • Jails should have Narcan, which can be used to reverse the effects of an overdose.
  • Jails should work to prevent illicit drugs from entering inside the jail in the first place.

When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate going through an overdose, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. An inmate may overdose as they are being processed. In some situations, a jail may accidentally cause an inmate to overdose by giving them too much of a medication. It is crucial that the facts surrounding an inmate overdose death are properly understood.

Investigating Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died at the Men’s Central Jail. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. This jail should have been closed long again. But somehow it remains open.

Have you or someone that you care about been harmed while staying at Men’s Central Jail? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates understand their rights and that jails follow constitutional standards. You can reach out to our office anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

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