EspañolSamuel Mark Was Identified As One Of Three Inmates Who Died In Los Angeles County Jails In A Little Over 1 Week
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (May 26, 2023) – Samuel Mark and two other inmates died in Los Angeles County jails in slightly over a week, according to new reporting by the Los Angeles Times.
The most recent death occurred on March 29th. A 29-year-old man identified as Samuel Mark was being held on a misdemeanor charge when he died just three days after his arrest.
Similar to the two other inmates that died recently, Samuel Mark had not yet been sentenced for any crime. The identity of the two other inmates that died has not been released at this time.
A representative from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said that LA County jails are operating at over 20% capacity. This may be contributing to the increase in inmate deaths.
Three years ago, county supervisors voted to close one of the jails where a large number of deaths were taking place. But little progress has been made towards that goal.
A full investigation into the deaths remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths
Los Angeles County has a terrible reputation when it comes to the treatment of its inmates. In particular, the county has been sued numerous times by inmates who were forced to live in horrendous conditions. According to one lawsuit, “People taken to the “Inmate Reception Center” must sleep on the ground without blankets, on floors covered in garbage and urine, close to clogged and overflowing toilets. Many receive no medical care. There have been reports that human beings living with mental illness are chained to benches for days, forced to urinate and defecate on themselves.” Many inmates are so poorly cared for that they die. There are a number of common causes of inmate deaths.
- Inmates may fail to get medical care for a pre-existing condition.
- Inmates may fail to get prompt medical care for a drug overdose.
- Inmates may be attacked by other inmates during their detention.
- Inmates may take their own lives due to being improperly monitored.
Inmates have a constitutional right to due process and equal protection under the constitution. To this end, inmates must receive reasonably adequate healthcare during their detention. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. For example, a jail may have failed to treat an inmates heart condition. Or jail officials may have failed to give an inmate medical care while they were in the midst of a drug overdose. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any in custody death.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage from the jail should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An independent autopsy should be performed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
In many situations, far too many people are stuffed into LA County jails that are already understaffed. Inmates are not getting the attention that they need. This is compounded by the county’s uniform money bail schedule which disproportionately affects the poor who are often held in jail without being charged with a crime. The family of any inmate that died in a Los Angeles County jail may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Los Angeles County Inmate Death
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our deepest condolences to the family of Samuel Mark and the two other inmates that died in custody. The sheer number of inmate deaths in Los Angeles County jails in recent years and the living conditions of inmates is deeply troubling. All inmates have constitutional rights that must be protected. When those rights are violated, the county responsible for detaining them should be held accountable.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County inmate death? Our team of civil rights advocates are here for you. 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 type of assistance after an in-custody death, we may be able to help. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
