Inmate Jason Eglen Died In-Custody While Staying At The Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility In Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (August 22, 2023) – An inmate identified as Jason Eglen has tragically died in-custody while staying at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility In Bakersfield.

The incident was first reported by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. Correctional officers found Jason Eglen under uncertain conditions.

He may have been unresponsive or he may have been in some type of medical distress. Jail staff and medical staff began life-saving measures in order to help the inmate.

Paramedics were also called to the scene. Despite life-saving measures, Jason Eglen died in-custody. Very few details about the incident have been released.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

 

Liability For Bakersfield Inmate Deaths

Thousands of inmates die in-custody every year. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “The number of federal prisoners who died in the custody of a facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) increased from 378 in 2018 to 381 in 2019. Almost 87% of the 65,027 state prisoners and 89% of the 7,125 federal prisoners who died in custody from 2001 to 2019 died of illness.” There are a number of common reasons that an inmate might die in custody.

• An inmate may not get proper care for a pre-existing medical condition.
• An inmate may not get care in the midst of a medical emergency.
• An inmate may be attacked by a correctional officer or another inmate.
• An inmate may die from a chronic health condition.

All inmates have a constitutional right to receive reasonably adequate healthcare. The level of care that an inmate may need will depend on their unique health profile. Inmates who are in poor health may require numerous welfare checks. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. For example, a jail may have failed to timely intervene to help an inmate going through an overdose. There are several steps that should be taken after any in-custody death.

• The medical profile of the inmate that died should be reviewed.
• Surveillance footage of the incident should be sought.
• An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
• An experienced civil rights attorney should be consulted.

Jails are quick to label deaths that happen in custody as “natural.” But this designation is often highly misleading. Many deaths listed as natural were caused in part due to medical neglect. It is important that inmates and their families understand that they do have rights. The family of any inmate that died in custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A civil rights attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Bakersfield Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jason Eglen. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about an in-custody death at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility In Bakersfield? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are held accountable for their neglect. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at  (949) 825-5200.