Sergio Gonzalez
Sergio Gonzalez died in September 2021 while held at the Monterey County Jail in Salinas, California, during a COVID-19 outbreak there. According to the family, he had been treated for deep vein thrombosis before he was booked, and his blood-thinner prescription was not continued after booking. His mother, Isabel Gonzalez, said she believes her son would still be alive if staff had taken the right steps. The death was attributed to coronary thrombosis, and a neutral monitor found his treatment fell short of the settlement requirements; the family's lawsuit against the County is ongoing.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The neutral monitor, Dr. Bruce Barnett, attributed the death to coronary thrombosis and found his treatment fell short of the settlement requirements, while his family's lawsuit challenges the care he received at the jail.
Reported by: Dr. Bruce Barnett, neutral monitor (outside investigators).
Lawsuit: His family sued Monterey County, and the case is ongoing.