Joseph Mendoza
Joseph Mendoza was found dead in his cell at the Morongo Basin Jail in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California. The sheriff's department has described his death as an apparent suicide. His family says the department knew about his fragile mental state and did not place him on suicide watch, and they plan to sue. Public defender Martina Avalos said officers used excessive force against him.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The death was recorded as an apparent suicide, but public defender Martina Avalos says officers used excessive force, and his family says the sheriff's department knew of his fragile mental state and did not place him on suicide watch.
Reported by: Martina Avalos, public defender (family or their lawyers); his family.