pexels-pixabay-236380Investigation Underway After Ryan Barnette Died While Being Housed at Intake Release Center in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (November 30, 2024) – An inmate identified as Ryan Barnette has tragically died in custody while being housed at the Intake Release Center in Orange County.

Orange County officials are saying that the incident took place in Holding Cell PM9 at the OC Global Medical Center. Medical staff noticed that Ryan Barnette was in medical distress.

Despite life-saving measures, he was ultimately pronounced dead at the OC Global Medical Center. Prior to the death, Ryan Barnette was awaiting arraignment.

His cause of death was listed as accidental cute fentanyl intoxication.


Legal Considerations for Orange County Inmate Deaths

Fentanyl is an incredibly powerful and dangerous drug. It is involved in many inmate deaths every year. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery.” There are a number of symptoms commonly associated with a fentanyl overdose.

  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Weak or absent pulse
  • Cold or clammy skin

Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. This includes the harm brought on by drug intoxication. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to harm brought on by a drug overdose, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. Jails may have made a number of mistakes when it comes to taking care of an inmate who died of a drug overdose.

  • Jail staff may have failed to notice that an inmate was going through an overdose.
  • Jail staff may have accidentally given an inmate too much fentanyl.
  • Jails may have failed to remove fentanyl or other contraband.

There are several counties in California that have a bad problem with drug overdoses. This includes Los Angeles County. One of the problems is that these jails are not taking adequate measures to prevent illicit drugs from being smuggled inside. They have also experienced staffing shortages from time to time. When an inmate dies in custody at a California jail, their family may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Orange County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ryan Barnette. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Do you need more information about an Orange County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that police departments are held accountable for their illegal actions. 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.

 

 

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