Died in jail or a lockup
Oscar Leal
Oscar Leal, 37, died in 2018 at the sallyport of a San Diego County jail while deputies were trying to put leg restraints on him. The Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide, citing a heart attack it linked to drug use and to the restraint, along with injuries consistent with handcuffs. The sheriff's office rejected that finding and attributed the death to drug use.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide, citing a heart attack linked to drug use and deputies' restraint, while the sheriff rejected that finding and blamed Leal's drug use.
Reported by: Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); the sheriff.