The 47-year-old, who suffered from schizophrenia, passed away due to pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and COVID-19, all in the context of alleged negligence and “deliberate indifference” in his care.
Lonnie Rupard’s death, ruled a homicide by the San Diego County Medical Examiner a year after his demise in San Diego County’s Central Jail, has sparked a demand for accountability
His family, seeking justice, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against several entities, including San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez, the sheriff’s department, former Sheriff Bill Gore, and the medical agencies responsible for jail services. The lawsuit, filed by Lonnie Rupard’s two sons, accuses the defendants of failing to provide even the most basic level of human dignity and care during his confinement.
Jeremiah Lowe, the attorney representing the Rupard family, emphasized the deplorable conditions in which Lonnie Rupard lived, with a cell covered in feces and food infested with larvae left untouched for days. Lowe insisted that Lonnie Rupard’s mental illness required proper help and attention, which he did not receive, resulting in his tragic death.
The lawsuit also sheds light on the larger issue of in-custody deaths in San Diego County jails, with Lonnie Rupard being one of 20 inmates who died in 2022 and 11 more deaths reported so far in the current year
Lowe expressed his concern that the jail system has repeatedly failed, particularly in handling inmates with psychiatric issues. Despite the mounting evidence, Sheriff Martinez’s department refrained from commenting on the pending litigation but stated their commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of all individuals in custody.
The Rupard family’s lawsuit aims to hold those responsible accountable and calls for significant reforms to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. Their relentless pursuit of justice reflects their determination to ensure that Lonnie Rupard’s death was not in vain and that the system responsible for his care is reformed to save lives.
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