Event Brief
Riverside County to pay millions in jail death suit
By The BriefBrief · Sources (1)
Filed: Aug 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET
Summary: 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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