Search fatalities

Brandon Yates

Gender : Male

Age : 24

Race : Unknown

Date : 01/16/2024

Location : San Diego Central Jail

City : San Diego

County : San Diego

State : California

Agency : San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Asphyxiation

Event : Killed by cellmate while in custody

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On January 16, 2024, 24-year-old Brandon Yates, an unhoused man, was arrested for sleeping in a residential backyard and subsequently detained at the San Diego Central Jail. Despite his known mental health and substance abuse issues, Yates was placed in a cell with an inmate with a history of violent outbursts who was classified as a "bypass inmate," indicating he should not have been housed with others. Over approximately an hour, Yates reportedly pleaded for help, repeatedly pressing the panic button and screaming, but received no response from deputies or jail staff. During this time, Ruis attacked, sexually assaulted, and killed Yates. Deputies discovered the aftermath during their routine hourly check. Ruis has been charged with Yates' murder and is awaiting trial. Yates' family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the county, Sheriff Kelly Martinez, and three deputies, alleging negligence and failure to follow protocols.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/family-sues-after-man-allegedly-tortured-murdered-by-cellmate-at-sd-county-jail/3763450/
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/family-of-murdered-inmate-sues-san-diego-county-sheriffs-office/509-6519eb39-24fb-4281-bc6f-73e43e0a7987
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article300945244.html