Inmate Erica Wahlberg Died In Custody Following Medical Emergency At Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility In Santee
SANTEE, CALIFORNIA (July 3, 2022) – A 40-year-old woman identified as Erica Wahlberg has tragically died following a medical emergency at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility.
San Diego County police officials are saying that the incident began around 4:00 a.m. on Monday. Erica Wahlberg was initially arrested around 2:45 a.m. on Sunday and taken to the Vista Detention Facility.
She was in the process of being transferred to the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility when she went into medical distress.
Erica Wahlberg was taken to a local hospital in order to received treatment. But doctors were not able to save her and she was pronounced dead around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In San Diego County Inmate Deaths
San Diego County is notorious for how poorly inmates are treated. According to the San Diego Tribune, “San Diego has the highest number of “excess deaths” among California’s 12 largest county jail systems, according to a new study commissioned by the civilian review board that oversees the Sheriff’s Department.” There are a number of steps that jails and prisons should take in order to keep inmates safe.
- Correctional officers should be properly trained to detect when an inmate is in medical distress.
- Inmates should get a proper medical screening before being booked into jail.
- Jails should perform periodic health and safety checks on inmates.
Jails have a legal responsibility to provide inmates with reasonably adequate healthcare. They can be held liable for an inmate’s death if they were deliberately indifferent to an inmate’s serious medical needs. For example, a jail may have failed to give an inmate adequate care if they went into distress following a drug overdose. The vast majority of overdose deaths are preventable – especially with the aid of medications like Naloxone. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any inmate death.
- All medical records should be examined.
- Jail records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any inmate that died in custody 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. Unfortunately, jails will often fight hard to deny liability for any inmate that dies in their care. 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 San Diego County Inmate Death
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Erica Wahlberg. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Have you or someone that you care about been harmed in a San Diego jail? Our team of inmate’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
