Relatives of Daniel Magaña are seeking clarity on his unexpected death in a Los Angeles jail cell. They question if authorities failed to recognize signs of his mental health crisis.
Magaña, 40, died in a hospital on September 5, ten days after being found unconscious in his cell at Twin Towers Correctional Facility. He was arrested on August 21 for evading police and jailed that day.
Records indicate Magaña was the ninth inmate to die at Twin Towers this year. A tenth died on September 20, with the cause awaiting autopsy results.
Magaña’s family filed a wrongful death claim on September 21. They allege authorities knew of his mental health issues and suicidal tendencies at booking. The claim suggests jail staff neglected to provide necessary mental health care.
“He wasn’t placed in the proper mental health unit,” the claim states, “nor was he given the needed psychiatric evaluation or treatment.”
Magaña was hospitalized shortly after his jail arrival. Upon return, he wasn’t assigned to a specialized unit for severe cases, as typically done for mentally ill inmates.
The family relayed a second unresponsive incident in his cell on August 25. Despite revival attempts, Magaña died in hospital on September 5.
Magaña’s sister, Alejandra, describes him as a charming, car-loving individual who faced lifelong mental health struggles, including bipolar and schizoaffective disorders.
Alejandra recalls signs of psychosis before his arrest, prompting family calls to psychiatric emergency services, ultimately leading to police involvement.
Despite assurances of care, Magaña didn’t receive adequate supervision or care. Inconsistent safety checks in L.A. County jails, noted in a mid-August report, remain a concern.
Magaña leaves behind five children, who speak of the profound loss. His oldest son, Noah, handles grief by confronting the painful truth.
Law enforcement efforts to prevent in-custody deaths face challenges due to an older, sicker inmate population with substance abuse disorders.
Initiatives to improve conditions include body-worn camera deployment in key jail areas. Last year, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the Sheriff’s Department over unsafe conditions.
Deputies are tasked with regular welfare checks, yet inconsistencies persist. Alejandra emphasizes the family’s need for answers regarding her brother’s unexplained death.