Riverside County to pay millions in jail death suit
By The BriefBrief
Riverside County has been ordered to pay a family millions after Richard Matus Jr. died from a fentanyl overdose in his cell at the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center while awaiting trial in 2022. The family sued the county and the Sheriff’s Department, alleging a deputy failed to respond appropriately after a cellmate reported the medical emergency.
WHO:Richard Matus Jr.; his family; Riverside County; Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy
WHAT:A wrongful death case over an in-custody fentanyl overdose resulted in a multi-million-dollar award against Riverside County.
WHEN:Aug 11, 2022
WHERE:Riverside County
WHY:The family alleges a deputy failed to take appropriate action after Matus’ cellmate initially reported the medical emergency.
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