Oral Nunis
Oral Nunis, 56, died on March 12, 2020, after Chula Vista police restrained him during a mental health crisis, according to his family, who said his daughter called for help because she feared he would hurt himself. Officers tackled and handcuffed him and placed a spit hood over his head, and he went into cardiac arrest in an ambulance before being taken to Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, where he died. The San Diego County District Attorney's Office, citing the medical examiner, said sudden cardiorespiratory arrest occurred while he was restrained, cleared five officers of criminal liability, and listed the manner of death as undetermined. His family has filed wrongful death lawsuits in state and federal court, alleging the force contributed to his death and that officers should have de-escalated his mental health crisis.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner listed the manner as undetermined and the district attorney cleared five officers, while his family's wrongful death lawsuits say officers' force contributed to his death and that they should have de-escalated his mental health crisis.
Reported by: San Diego County medical examiner (medical examiner or coroner); San Diego County District Attorney's Office (outside investigators); Nunis' family, through their wrongful death lawsuits (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Nunis' family filed wrongful death lawsuits alleging the force used by Chula Vista police contributed to his death, and no payment amount has been reported.