Died in jail or a lockup
Rafael Ramirez Lara
Rafael Ramirez Lara, 57, died at the Monterey County Jail in California in December 2019. A lawsuit filed by his lawyer, Lori Rifkin, says he drank an excessive amount of water and drowned because of untreated schizophrenia. According to KSBW's March 2024 report, the lawsuit was settled for more than $2.5 million.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). Lawyer Lori Rifkin's lawsuit says he drank an excessive amount of water and drowned because of untreated schizophrenia, and that jail staff failed to treat it.
Reported by: lawsuit filed by lawyer Lori Rifkin (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued Monterey County over his death at the Monterey County Jail, and the suit resulted in more than $2.5 million.