Inmate deaths renew scrutiny of jails

Nine people have died in L.A. County lockups this year. Sheriff vows changes.

- BY SALVADOR HERNANDEZ

MYUNG J. CHUN Los Angeles Times

THE SHERIFF'S Department introduced the use of body cams in county jails.

Nine people have died inside L.A. County jails so far this year, an alarming number for the Sheriff's Department as it continues to face a lawsuit from the state over the conditions in local lockups.

Sheriff's officials said they are continuing to make changes, hoping to reduce the number of in-custody deaths and to care for an inmate population that is increasingly struggling with medical and mental health issues.

“Every time I get notified that someone in my care has passed away, it's like a kick in the groin,” Sheriff Robert Luna said during a brief interview. “It’s not what you want to hear.”

Seven inmates died in January, according to the Sheriff's Department, and two more deaths have occurred so far in February. The causes of all nine deaths are pending autopsy reports.

The rate is on pace with 2025, when nine deaths were reported by the end of February and there were 46 in-custody deaths for the year. In 2024, the Sheriff's Department reported 32 deaths.

“It's not off to a good start,” Luna said.

The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission will investigate the county’s Correctional Health Services during its next meeting, specifically eight suicides and 10 drug-related deaths that occurred in 2025, said Hans Johnson, commission chair.

Officials at Correcti Health Services did not respond to requests to comment.

The Sheriff's Department already is moving to implement body-worn cameras on deputies inside the jails and make physical changes to its Inmate Reception Center in hopes of improving the chances of noting when a person with medical or mental health conditions is booked.

‘The troubling number of inmate deaths also comes as the Sheriff's Department faces questions about whether inmates are receiving timely and proper care.