A 43-year-old man who was being held in San Diego Sheriff’s Division custody died at a hospital Tuesday from problems introduced on by “a number of long-term diseases,” officers stated.
Aaron Bonin was discovered unresponsive on the ground of his cell on the San Diego Central Jail on Oct. 24 after which transported to UC San Diego Medical Middle the place he died, sheriff’s officers stated in a information launch.
The Sheriff’s Division runs the county’s seven jails, which have been plagued with a document variety of individuals dying whereas in custody.
Bonin is no less than the twentieth particular person to have died in custody this yr, together with one one that died hours after his compassionate launch following an extended sickness.
“A sheriff’s household liaison officer has been assigned to work with (Bonin’s) household,” sheriff’s officers stated in a information launch. “We lengthen our condolences to the household and to these affected by this loss of life.”
Bonin was jailed most just lately on suspicion of battery of a police officer, assault with a lethal weapon and an excellent warrant stemming from one other alleged confrontation with a legislation enforcement official.
He had been at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino County earlier than being despatched to the jail in downtown San Diego.
“Whereas in custody, Mr. Bonin was evaluated and handled for a number of documented medical and psychological well being considerations, which had been recognized upon his switch from Patton State Hospital. Sheriff medical workers referred him to native hospitals a number of instances for acute care,” officers stated.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Workplace, Residents’ Legislation Enforcement Overview Board and murder detectives had been notified of Bonin’s loss of life.
His loss of life stays underneath investigation, sheriff’s officers stated.
An investigation by the Union-Tribune revealed in 2019 that San Diego County had the very best jail mortality fee among the many state’s largest counties.
In February of this yr, the California State Auditor issued a sharply essential report prompted by 185 deaths in San Diego County’s jails over 15 years. The report discovered that the jails had not supplied ample medical and psychological well being care to individuals in custody, and that state lawmakers wanted to pressure change.
The report steered many adjustments.
The Sheriff’s Division stated earlier this yr that it’s making adjustments, together with bettering entry to medical data, outfitting deputies within the jails with body-worn cameras and permitting the Citizen’s Legislation Enforcement Overview Board to go to scenes the place individuals have died in jail.
In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected a invoice impressed by the audit, citing as problematic its requirement so as to add two extra seats to a 13-person board that units requirements for detention amenities.
