Juan Vasquez Pulido Dies at Orange County Intake Release Center After Being Attacked
in custody

Orange County, CA – Authorities are investigating the death of 38-year-old Juan Vasquez Pulido at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana.

Details of the Incident

Pulido was booked into the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana on February 5, 2025. He was put in a holding cell with another inmate, 23-year-old Irving Josue Morales, who attacked him and left him unconscious. Deputies found Pulido unconscious in the cell and provided medical aid before he was then transported to a local hospital. Pulido died after 16 days in a medically induced coma.

Limited details have been made regarding the attack or how long Pulido was unconscious. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the incident, per standard protocol for in-custody deaths. Additionally, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Internal Affairs Unit and the Office of Independent Review will oversee the matter to ensure compliance with regulations.

Concerns Over In-Custody Deaths

This incident raises continued concerns over in-custody deaths in California, particularly in Orange County, where past cases have led to scrutiny over jail conditions, medical care, and staff response times. According to state data, the number of inmate deaths in county jails has been a growing issue, prompting advocacy groups to call for increased transparency and reforms.

Under California law, county jails must uphold the constitutional rights of inmates, ensuring they receive proper medical care and supervision. The California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) provides oversight of county detention facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards. If a jail fails to meet these requirements, it may face legal liability for wrongful death or civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983—a federal law that allows legal action against government entities for civil rights abuses.

For those seeking legal guidance on wrongful deaths in custody, The Sehat Law Firm specializes in cases involving police misconduct, jail neglect, and civil rights violations. If your loved one has suffered harm while in custody, we are here to help.

Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths

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.
  • hiring private investigators who can help track down witnesses and/or obtain further evidence to help your case.

What should I know if I want to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

We at the Sehat Law Firm wish to extend our condolences to the family of Juan Vasquez Pulido.

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.