Delion Johnson
Delion Johnson, 35, died on April 5, 2023, in the booking area of the Sacramento County Main Jail. His aunt, in an online obituary, remembered his big smile and the hugs he gave, and relatives said he made everyone around him laugh. According to the coroner's report, video showed him ingesting a substance later identified as fentanyl. His family sued the county and Sheriff's Office, saying deputies did not search him properly, housed him where he was not closely monitored, and failed to respond in time to a medical emergency. The county later agreed to pay $400,000 to his family and children.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (disputed; neglect alleged). The coroner's report says Delion Johnson died of an overdose after ingesting a substance later identified as fentanyl, while his family's lawsuit alleges deputies did not search him properly, housed him where he was not closely monitored, and failed to respond in time to a medical emergency.
Reported by: coroner's report (medical examiner or coroner); his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued Sacramento County and its Sheriff's Office over his death, alleging deputies failed to search him properly, housed him without close monitoring, and responded too slowly to a medical emergency, and the county agreed to pay $400,000 to his family and children.
News reports (5)
- Inmate found dead at Sacramento County Main Jail
- Inmate dies in booking area of Sacramento County downtown jail after arrest by CHP
- Family of man who died in Sacramento downtown jail in April sues county, Sheriff’s Office
- Guest Commentary: Crisis of In-Custody Deaths at Sacramento County Jail
- Sacramento County in last year paid $2.4M to families of men who died in custody