Investigation Underway After Lawrence Orso Nearly 1 Hour After Being Released From Cois Byrd Detention Center
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (October 2, 2024) – A 46-year-old man from Murrieta identified as Lawrence Orso has tragically died after being held in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Riverside County officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Lawrence Orso was released from the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
He went into medical distress shortly after being released. Deputies located the man and began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.
Despite those efforts, Lawrence Orso was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Legal Considerations For Riverside County Inmate Deaths
Riverside County has a long and sordid history with respect to the care that inmates are given. The county is facing several lawsuits following a string of inmate deaths. According to the Desert Sun, “Three federal lawsuits were filed against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in as many days on behalf of the survivors of three men who died in the county’s jails.” Inmates in Riverside County have made a number of allegations against the Sheriff’s Department.
- Inmates claim that they have been subjected to excessive force.
- Inmates claim that they have been denied adequate medical care.
- Inmates claim that they have been denied adequate mental health care.
Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes protecting them from drug and alcohol withdrawal and intoxication. When an inmate is at risk of drug or alcohol withdrawal or intoxication, jail officials must take action. This will typically include providing inmates with medical de-toxification, which is done under the supervision of healthcare professionals. It is important that certain steps are taken after any inmate death.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
A jail could still be liable for an inmate’s death even if it technically occurred after they were released. One of the key issues is the health and status of the inmate when they were incarcerated. It is important that the family members of inmates understand that they do have rights. They are able to seek some measures of accountability and justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Riverside County Inmate Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lawrence Orso. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about an inmate death at the Cois Byrd Detention Center? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of neglect and abuse in jail are aware of their rights and that police agencies are held to account for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

