in jailSANTA ANA, CA – An inmate in custody at the Orange County Intake Release Center (IRC), Luis Carlos Olivas Jr., died on April 8, 2025, according to a statement released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The 42-year-old individual was found unresponsive in his cell in Module J. Deputies and correctional medical staff attempted life-saving measures, and the inmate would be transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The man had been booked into the IRC only the day before. Both the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will investigate this incident.

Ongoing Concerns Over In-Custody Deaths

This incident marks yet another death in a California jail facility in 2025. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has faced previous scrutiny for the number of in-custody deaths occurring within its facilities. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into conditions at Orange County jails, citing concerns over inmate mental health care and access to medical services.

Under California law, all in-custody deaths must be thoroughly investigated. According to California Government Code § 12525, law enforcement agencies are required to report any deaths in custody to the California Department of Justice. These incidents are often reviewed for potential civil rights violations and lapses in jail medical care or supervision.

Statewide, California reported over 180 in-custody deaths in 2022, according to data from the California Department of Justice’s OpenJustice portal. Many of these deaths involved individuals held pretrial—meaning they had not been convicted of a crime.

Seeking Accountability for In-Custody Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Luis Carlos Olivas Jr.


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 so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.