Sandra Lee Vela
Sandra Lee Vela, 52, of Soledad, was held at the Monterey County Jail, where her family said she had been calling them daily. Her family described a history of medical conditions including a seizure disorder, chronic pain, diabetes and depression. Jail staff found her hanging in her cell at about 2:28 a.m. on March 24, 2015, and she died; the coroner's report lists the manner of death as suicide. Her family's claim says jail staff and the medical provider should have recognized and treated her serious medical conditions, and that policies and training were inadequate.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (disputed; neglect alleged). The coroner's report says she hanged herself in her cell, but her family's claim alleges jail staff and the medical provider failed to recognize and treat her serious medical conditions and that policies and training were inadequate.
Reported by: coroner's report (medical examiner or coroner); Monterey County Jail (the agency that held her); her family's claim (family or their lawyers).