EspañolOverdose Suspected In The Death of One Inmate Identified As Tourmaria Foreman At Men’s Central Jail In Downtown Los Angeles; Seven Other Inmates Hospitalized
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 9, 2024) – Tourmaria Foreman has tragically died, and seven people were injured at the Men’s Central Jail in Downtown Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday. The eight inmates were in a holding cell waiting to be transported to court.
When one inmate began to show signs of medical distress, deputies administered Narcan and CPR. Despite life-saving measures, Tourmaria Foreman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seven other inmates between the ages of 18-68 were hospitalized and reported to be in stable condition. Authorities believe that the incident was due to an overdose.
But the source of the exposure remains unknown at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths
Overdoses remain a major cause of inmate death in the United States. According to National Public Radio, “From 2001 to 2018, the number of people who have died of drug or alcohol intoxication in state prisons rose more than 600%, according to an analysis of newly-released data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In county jails, overdose deaths increased by more than 200%.” There are a number of signs that an inmate is going through an overdose.
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Slow or erratic pulse
- Seizures or convulsions
- Excessive sweating or chills
Los Angeles County jails are notorious for their unsafe conditions. In particular, they have done a very poor job at keeping out dangerous and illicit substances such as fentanyl. When a jail fails to take reasonable measures to protect inmates, this could easily lead to death. A jail could face civil liability if they are deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate. There are several steps that should be taken following the death of any inmate.
- Medical records related to the death should be collected.
- The source of any drug involved in an overdose should be determined.
- The actions of correctional officers leading up to the death should be understood.
- An experienced civil rights attorney should be contacted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any inmate dies in custody. Jails will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility. When they investigate themselves, they will inevitably find that no wrongdoing took place. This is why it is so important that all inmate deaths are thoroughly investigated by an outside party. The family of any inmate who died due to neglect may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of Tourmaria Foremanwho died at the Men’s Central Jail in Downtown Los Angeles. It is our hope that the other inmates will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about an inmate’s death at the Men’s Central Jail? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any assistance, we are here to help. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
