Michael John Prince
Michael John Prince, 43, was described by his family's attorney as a jovial patriarch of a very traditional Roma family that depended on his entrepreneurial skills. He died on July 8, 2023, while held at the Sacramento County Main Jail, where he had been housed in a detox cell. The coroner's report listed fentanyl as the cause of death, with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and hyperglycemia as significant contributing conditions. A court-ordered report found that jail nurses had not monitored his withdrawal for six days because of understaffing. The county later agreed to a $650,000 settlement with his family, and his attorney said his death devastated the family.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of an overdose (neglect alleged). The coroner ruled the death a fentanyl overdose with contributing cardiovascular and kidney disease and diabetes, while a court-ordered report found jail nurses did not monitor his withdrawal for six days because of understaffing.
Reported by: coroner's report (medical examiner or coroner); court-ordered report; his family and their attorney.
Lawsuit: His family sued Sacramento County and agreed to a $650,000 settlement over his death at the Sacramento County Main Jail in July 2023.