Inmate Lonnie Rupard Died At San Diego Central Jail After Being Found Unresponsive In His Cell
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (March 29, 2022) – A 46-year-old South Bay man identified as Lonnie Rupard has tragically died after being found unresponsive in his jail cell.
San Diego police officials are saying that the incident took place around 10:50 p.m. at the jail. Lonnie Newton Rupard was found unresponsive in his cell by jail officials.
Life-saving measures were administered by jail staff until San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel could take over. Lonnie Rupard was transported to the hospital but could not be revived and was later pronounced dead.
San Diego officials said that they did not see any signs of trauma or foul play. A full investigation into the death of Lonnie Rupard remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In San Diego Inmate Deaths
Far too many people die in custody and state and federal jails every year. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 1,120 prisoners died in jail in 2018. This represents the highest number since 2000, which is the first year the BJS started collecting data. The leading cause of prisoner death was suicide, followed by heart disease and drug intoxication. As reported by The Guardian, a high number of prison deaths are totally preventable. There are a number of steps that jails can take in order to reduce prison deaths.
- Inmates should receive adequate mental healthcare.
- Inmates should receive adequate care for chronic medical conditions.
- Jail staff should be properly trained.
- Jails should be properly staffed.
- Jail staff should recognize the signs that an inmate is undergoing a medical or mental health crisis.
Inmates have a constitutional right to reasonably adequate healthcare and a safe environment. When a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Consider, for example, the case of Estelle v. Gamble (1976) 429 U.S. 97 [97 S.Ct. 285; 50 L.Ed.2d. 251]. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) held that deliberate indifference by prison personnel to a prisoner’s serious illness or injury constitutes cruel and unusual punishment which is a violation of the Eighth Amendment. For example, a jail may fail to give an inmate proper care if they are overdosing. Many overdose deaths are preventable with drugs like naloxone.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed after any inmate death.
- Work records of jail staff should be examined.
- An autopsy should be performed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any inmate that died in custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are. There are, however, statute of limitations associated with civil claims. Failing to act within the statute of limitations may result in a permanent forfeiture of your rights.
Investigating A San Diego Inmate Death
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lonnie Rupard. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. Every inmate deserves to be treated with decency and compassion no matter what they are accused of. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about a San Diego Central Jail inmate death? Our team of inmate advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that inmates and their families are aware of their rights and that jail officials are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into an inmate’s death we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
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