Inmate William Schuck Died In Custody After Being Found Unresponsive In His Jail Cell At San Diego Central Jail
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (March 30, 2022) – A young inmate identified as William Schuck has tragically died after being found unresponsive in his cell at San Diego Central Jail.
San Diego county officials are saying that the inmate was arrested on March 10. Just a few days later on Wednesday William Schuck was found unresponsive in his jail cell.
Jail staff began CPR and life-saving measures until San Diego paramedics were able to take over. Despite life-saving measures, William Schuck died at the hospital.
His cause and manner of death are still pending the results of an autopsy. A full investigation into the death remains ongoing at this time.
This is the second death in just the past few weeks at the San Diego Central Jail. Lonnie Rupard also died after being found unresponsive in his cell.
Liability In Inmate Deaths At the San Diego Central Jail
Jails are supposed to be places of rehabilitation. But far too often, they are places where inmates go to die due to neglect or violence. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), “The leading cause of jail prisoner deaths in 2018 was suicide (29.9%), followed by heart disease (25.9%) and drug/alcohol intoxication (15.9%). No other single cause accounted for more than 3% of jail prisoner deaths.” There are many steps that jails should take in order to help keep inmates safe.
- Inmates should be properly monitored.
- Inmates and guests should be properly searched before entering the jail. Many inmates die from taking illegal substances smuggled into the jail.
- Jail staff should be properly trained to understand when an inmate is undergoing a medical or mental health crisis.
- Inmates should receive adequate medical care.
California is notorious for how poorly some inmates are treated. In fact, in 2005 the California Correctional Healthcare System (CCHCS) was placed under Federal Receivership. It was discovered that medical care in state prisons was so poor that nearly 1 inmate a week died due to malpractice or neglect. After that time, the CCHCS was, supposedly, transformed to be able to provide inmates with constitutionally adequate medical care. Still, far too many people die in custody in California every year.
Many inmate deaths are totally preventable and due to inmates not receiving adequate medical care. Inmates have a legal right to health care under the Eighth Amendment which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. If prison staff are “deliberately indifferent” to the serious medical needs of an inmate this could form the basis of a negligence claim if the inmate dies. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any inmate death in California.
- An independent autopsy should be performed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- An independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a San Diego jail may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim will typically include the victim’s next of kin. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating An Inmate Death at the San Diego Central Jail
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of William Schuck. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is deeply concerning how many inmates have died at the San Diego Central Jail. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an inmate death at the San Diego Central Jail? 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 those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
