Aaron Bonilla
Aaron Bonilla, 31, of Los Banos, was held at the Merced County Jail in California when he died in June 2017. His sister, Tamara Bonilla, said he often reminded his family that he loved them and had promised to change his life. Sheriff's deputies said he was attacked by two people held in his cell, while ProPublica, citing an autopsy and court records, reported that cellmates beat him on June 11 while others kept watch for staff. He was taken to a hospital in Modesto, never regained consciousness, and died in hospice about two weeks later. The county has denied any wrongdoing, and the sheriff said the jail was understaffed at the time.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). The sheriff's office says two cellmates attacked him, and an autopsy and court records describe a beating by cellmates while other inmates kept watch for staff; a summary also says the jail was understaffed, and the county denies any wrongdoing.
Reported by: Merced County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); autopsy report and court records; reporters.