in jailSan Francisco, CA – On March 20, 2025, 33-year-old Theris Coats died in custody at San Francisco County Jail No. #2 on 7th St. An investigation is being conducted by the Department of Police Accountability, the Medical Examiner’s Officer, and the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Unit, according to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office.

Incident Details

Deputies discovered Coats unresponsive in his cell at roughly 7 a.m. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Coats was pronounced dead. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of his death.

Legal Context

In-custody deaths raise significant legal and ethical questions, particularly regarding whether proper medical care and supervision were provided. Under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, individuals who suffer harm or lose their lives due to negligence or deliberate indifference by state officials may have grounds for legal action. 

California law also mandates that correctional facilities provide adequate healthcare services to inmates and ensure their safety. Failure to do so can result in legal liability for involved parties if negligence or misconduct is determined to be a factor.

Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths/Officer Involved Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Theris Coats.

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