Highland – 42-year-old Michael Mancilla of Paramount died while in custody of San Bernardino County Sheriffs on August 7,2025.
Incident Timeline
At approximately 8:48 p.m, Highland deputies responded to a call regarding a man acting erratically at his residence on the 7500 block of Guthrie Street. The man, identified as Mancilla, was found rolling on the ground. Deputies then detained and handcuffed Mancilla, then seated against a wall when he became unresponsive. Deputies began CPR on-site and continued until medical personnel arrived. Mancilla was then taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
An investigation is underway, as is an autopsy to determine Mancilla’s cause of death.
Legal Standards for In-Custody Medical Oversight
San Bernardino County has seen several in-custody fatalities this year—prompting local advocates to call for enhanced training in crisis response and better procedures for detainees displaying mental or physical distress.
In-custody deaths often raise serious constitutional concerns. California law requires detainees—even those not yet convicted—to receive appropriate medical care under the Fourteenth Amendment. Custody staff must act without deliberate indifference to serious medical needs. If the facility delayed or failed to recognize a medical emergency, it could form the basis for a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Seeking Accountability for In-Custody Deaths
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 such as this incident with Michael Mancilla, 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.
