Bakersfield, CA – On March 19, 2025, 50-year-old Jose Juan Tovar of Shafter died in custody at the Lerdo Justice Facility only a day after being arrested. This marks the second in-custody death at Lerdo within a week, with 28-year-old Angel Freddy Balbuena having passed away on March 13.
Details of the Incident
The Kern County Superior Court states that Tovar was booked into Lerdo Justice Facility on March 18. According to the coroner, Tovar was found unresponsive in his cell around 3:30 a.m. the following day. Although jail staff attempted life-saving measures, Tovar was pronounced dead at the scene just before 4 a.m. Limited details have been released on this incident, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of his death
In-Custody Deaths: A Troubling Pattern
The recent deaths at Lerdo Justice Facility are part of a broader concern about the increasing number of in-custody deaths in California. According to data from the California Department of Justice, in-custody deaths have been on the rise, with 215 deaths reported across California jails in 2022 alone.
Nationally, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that local jail deaths reached a record high of 1,200 in 2019, with suicide being the leading cause of death, accounting for 49 deaths per 100,000 inmates.
Legal Perspective
Under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, individuals who experience harm or death due to the misconduct or negligence of state officials may have grounds for legal action. This statute is commonly used to pursue claims against correctional facilities where inadequate medical care or unsafe conditions are alleged.
Furthermore, California has established guidelines requiring correctional facilities to provide adequate healthcare and ensure the safety of those in custody. When these standards are not met, legal action may be necessary to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths/Officer Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Jose Juan Tovar.
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.
