Anthony Aceves
Anthony Aceves was 37 and had schizophrenia. He was held at the Theo Lacy Jail in Orange County, California, when deputies found him unresponsive during a count shortly before 5 a.m. on May 23, 2019. According to a Deputy District Attorney's letter to the sheriff, a pathologist concluded he died of acute fentanyl intoxication and that it was an accident, while another person said it was unclear whether it was an overdose or suicide. His mother, Diana Alvarez, sued the county, and her attorney said the family wanted to learn how he died and argued jailers should have supervised him more closely; Orange County supervisors later approved a $200,000 settlement.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). A pathologist reportedly concluded acute fentanyl intoxication was an accident, per a Deputy District Attorney's letter to the sheriff; his mother's attorney describes an overdose and argues jailers should have supervised him more closely, and another person said it was unclear whether it was an overdose or suicide.
Reported by: pathologist, as relayed in a Deputy District Attorney's letter to the sheriff (medical examiner or coroner); his mother's attorney (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His mother sued Orange County, and county supervisors approved a $200,000 settlement with her.