El Cajon — 52-year-old Qui Ly died on January 18, 2026, after an incident in the custody of the El Cajon Police Department. 
Incident Details
On January 4, 2026, at roughly 6:00 a.m., officers responded to the area of Magnolia and West Chase Avenues, according to the El Cajon Police Department. They reportedly encountered a man later identified as Ly running in traffic and yelling for help. Officers also say Ly refused to follow their commands and laid face down on the street. They would handcuff Ly and apply soft restraints to his ankles before calling for paramedics to examine him. However, Ly would become non-responsive while waiting for paramedics. Officers gave him Narcan and performed CPR before paramedics took him to a hospital, where he died two weeks later.
As force was used to subdue Ly, the death is being investigated as an in-custody death. San Diego Police Department homicide detectives and the Medical Examiner’s officer will determine whether this use of force contributed to the man’s death. Both the El Cajon Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office will also investigate.
Legal Oversight and Standards
California requires law enforcement agencies to report all deaths in custody under California Government Code § 12525.
Investigators will evaluate:
- Whether appropriate monitoring and safety-check procedures were followed
- The timeliness and adequacy of the medical response
- Whether any environmental or procedural factors contributed to the emergency
- Compliance with state and local jail-safety standards
If authorities determine that unconstitutional conduct, negligence, or inadequate medical care contributed to the death, families may pursue civil-rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths
If you witnessed this incident, knew Qui Ly, or are seeking to understand your rights, consider the following steps:
1. Request Public Records
This may include medical logs, transportation-area surveillance footage, emergency-response records, and coroner findings.
2. Preserve Any Evidence You Have
Document the time, location, and what you observed. Save any videos, photos, or notes related to the incident.
3. Consult with a Civil-Rights Attorney
Families may have legal options when deaths in custody raise questions about medical response, jail policies, or constitutional protections.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by an in-custody death such as this one involving Qui Ly, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the confidential form at the bottom of this page to speak 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 will update or remove the post as needed.
