Michael Wayne Nonella
Michael Wayne Nonella, 47, of Arroyo Grande, was held at the San Luis Obispo County Jail when he died on September 1, 2018. The Sheriff's Office said he died by hanging in his cell, and that checks were completed on schedule. His family said he had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, that jail staff failed to provide mental health treatment and left him alone after a past suicide attempt, and his attorney, Paula Canny, said he had been taken off suicide watch shortly before his death. His mother described him as having a big heart and helping others in need, and he had been due to be released in October and to be best man at his sister's wedding. The coroner's investigation and the District Attorney's review were still ongoing, and the manner of death had not been determined.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The Sheriff's Office says he hanged himself and that checks were completed on schedule, while his family says jail staff failed to provide mental health treatment and left him alone after a past suicide attempt, and his attorney says staff took him off suicide watch shortly before his death.
Reported by: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); family and attorney Paula Canny (family or their lawyers).