Families File Lawsuits After Two Deaths in San Diego Jails

UPDATE: Families of two individuals who died in San Diego jails have filed urgent civil rights lawsuits against the Sheriff’s Office, alleging systemic neglect that led to their tragic deaths. Callen Lines and Corey Dean both suffered from severe medical and mental health issues while in custody, according to the lawsuits filed last week in federal court.

Callen Lines, a 31-year-old nursing assistant and mother of two, died from drug withdrawal at the Las Colinas women’s jail on May 11, 2023, just one day after her arrest. Her family claims that despite her history of substance use and a documented seizure related to withdrawal just two weeks prior, she received inadequate medical attention during her time in custody.

Lines’ family reported that she was open about her struggles with sobriety during the intake process. However, the lawsuit states that she was denied necessary monitoring and medication as her condition deteriorated. In her final hours, she repeatedly pressed the intercom for help, desperately pleading with deputies while they dismissed her cries as lies.

A cellmate described witnessing Lines in distress, stating she was “completely blue and purple” when deputies finally checked on her, revealing alarming negligence by the staff. The lawsuit underscores ongoing issues the Sheriff’s Office has known about, citing previous deaths at Las Colinas due to untreated withdrawal.

Meanwhile, Corey Dean, a 43-year-old man suffering from schizophrenia, died two months later in the Vista jail. His family alleges that despite his known mental health issues, he was placed in general population without undergoing a psychiatric assessment. Dean’s distress escalated as he screamed for help, resorting to flooding his cell and smearing feces on himself to attract attention.

Reports show that Dean was subjected to inhumane conditions, remaining in solitary confinement without adequate mental health care. The lawsuit highlights that he was only moved to administrative separation after a clinician recommended psychiatric care, but no beds were available. Just 15 days later, he died in isolation, with fellow inmates reporting that he spent his last day crying out for help.

Both lawsuits accuse the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and its medical contractor, Naphcare, of failing to address long-standing issues within the jail system, despite multiple warnings from health authorities and audits. The families seek justice and accountability for what they describe as preventable tragedies.

In 2022, a staggering 19 individuals died in San Diego jails, raising serious questions about the treatment of inmates. As the Sheriff’s Office continues to face scrutiny, Sheriff Kelly Martinez has publicly committed to improving conditions and reducing the number of deaths in custody.

With the families’ lawsuits now underway, the spotlight remains on the urgent need for reform and accountability within the San Diego jail system. This situation raises critical questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody and the systemic changes required to prevent future tragedies.

As more details emerge, the impact of these lawsuits may push for necessary reforms, shedding light on the dire conditions faced by inmates and the urgent need for change. Expect further updates as this developing story unfolds.