SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) – Imperial County is facing a negligence lawsuit after an inmate died of an overdose while in custody at the county jail.
Plaintiffs Martha Anaya, acting representative for the estate of Joe Anaya, III, Samantha Anaya, J.A., a minor through his guardian, Pamela Estrada and M.A., a minor through her guardian, Vanessa Muhebes filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California against Imperial County and several unknown officers, citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Joe Anaya was an inmate at the Imperial County jail and died while in custody on Aug. 2, 2022. The lawsuit states that Joe entered the facility on May 23, 2022, and that personnel at the facility knew that Joe was struggling with drug addiction and mental illness.
On Aug. 2, 2022, Joe consumed a drug that caused him to suffer an overdose. The lawsuit states that while Joe was in his cell, suffering from an overdose, numerous correctional officers at the jail allegedly failed to perform proper safety checks on him to confirm signs of life and observe signs of distress.
The lawsuit states that while Ayana was in custody, the defendants had a responsibility to care for his safety and welfare. Despite this, Joe died as a result of the defendants' negligence in failing to properly perform the required safety checks to confirm his well-being.
The plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial to seek damages for grief, suffering, and the loss of Joe's love, support, and companionship, plus interest, court costs, attorneys fees, and any other relief the court deems proper. They are represented in this case by attorneys Thomas E. Robertson and Joseph M. McMullen in San Diego.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California case number 23CV1670RSHAHG