Masoud Rahmati
Masoud Rahmati, 50, was held at Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles in June 2023. His family's attorney says he had struggled with homelessness and mental health problems for years, and that his brother repeatedly tried to help him find food, clothing and a place to live. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department records and an autopsy report shared by the attorney, he was beaten to death in a fifth-floor shower area by other people held there on June 13, and he was left on his bunk for about two hours before deputies were alerted. The sheriff's officials have not explained how staff missed the attack. The Los Angeles Times reported that jail oversight inspectors had warned for months about a lack of supervision in that housing area.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). The Los Angeles County Inspector General's report says deputies did not find Rahmati for nearly four hours after he was attacked in a shower, and the Los Angeles Times says other inmates beat him to death.
Reported by: Los Angeles County Office of Inspector General (outside investigators); Los Angeles Times (reporters); Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records (the agency that held him); autopsy report; family's attorney Jeremy Lessem (family or their lawyers).