Male Inmate Booked Into Huntington Beach Police Department Before Being Transferred To Men’s Central Jail In Santa Ana

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA (October 5, 2023) – A 50-year-old inmate has tragically died after some type of medical issue while staying at the Men’s Central Jail in Santa Ana.

Orange County officials are saying that the inmate was first booked into the Huntington Beach Police Department on several outstanding warrants. He was then transferred to the Men’s Central Jail in Santa Ana.

While at the jail he experienced some type of medical issue. He was transferred to the hospital in order to receive treatment. But he later died at the hospital.

A full investigation into the in-custody death remains ongoing at this time.

 

Liability For Men’s Central Jail Inmate Deaths

Far too many inmates die in-custody every year across Los Angeles County. The Men’s Central Jail has a particularly poor track record. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, “In 2021, county leaders committed to closing the decrepit and dangerous Men’s Central Jail within two years. Those two years are nearly up—yet, the jail is still operational, with no concrete plans to close the facility in the foreseeable future.” As of October 1, 2023, 14 inmates have died this year at the Men’s Central Jail. There are many factors that could contribute to an inmate death.

• Inmates may die in attacks carried out by other inmates.
• Inmates may died due to jail medical neglect.
• Inmates may die after overdosing on drugs such as fentanyl.

Every inmate in California has a constitutional right to receive adequate care for their medical needs. This starts when an inmate is first admitted. People enter the jail systems with all different types of trauma and medical issues. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate that dies in their care, the jail could be liable through a constitutional claim. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any in-custody death.

• The medical records related to the death should be preserved.
• An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.

It is common for jails to list in-custody deaths as “natural,” but this designation can often be extremely misleading. A large portion of the deaths listed as natural in Los Angeles county often involved inmates that were very young. Many were in their 20’s or 30’s. The family of any inmate that dies in-custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

 

Investigating Inmate Deaths At Men’s Central Jail

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man that died. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. So many people have died at the Men’s Central Jail this year.

Do you need more information about an in-custody death at the Men’s Central Jail? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that jails are upholding the constitution. 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.