Christopher Martinez, 31, of Norwalk, Died in Custody at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Riverside County
BANNING, CALIFORNIA (October 1, 2025) – A 31-year-old man identified as Christopher Martinez has tragically died in custody at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.
Riverside County officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Deputies noticed that Christopher Martinez was in serious medical distress.
Jail staff and paramedics were called to help him. He was transported to the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital to receive additional treatment.
But his condition continued to deteriorate at the hospital, and he was later pronounced dead. A full investigation into the death of Christopher Martinez remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Riverside County Inmate Deaths
Jails have a legal obligation to take care of the inmates in their custody. This includes providing for their safety and overall well-being through adequate medical care. When an inmate dies, surviving family members are able to pursue a civil rights claim through 42 U.S.C. § 1983. According to the statute, every person who, under the color of any statute or ordinance, causes a person to be deprived of their rights protected by the constitution shall be liable to the injured party through an action at law. Certain types of evidence can be useful in demonstrating liability for any inmate death.
- Scene & Physical Evidence: The scene where the incident took place should be thoroughly investigated. All medications that the inmate was taking should be carefully examined.
- Medical Reports: All of the medical reports related to the incident should be reviewed. Autopsy reports are particularly helpful. It should be determined if drugs or alcohol may have contributed to a death.
- Facility Records: Jails keep detailed records of all of the inmates in their care. These are created by correctional officers, medical staff, and supervisors.
- Witness Evidence: Another important piece of evidence to consider is any witness statements from cellmates and medical staff that cared for the inmate.
Not every instance where an inmate dies in custody is the result of a civil rights violation. What matters is whether or not jail officials acted with deliberate indifference in caring for the inmate. Deliberate indifference could come in many different forms. For example, jail officials may have delayed getting an inmate medical care while they were in the midst of a medical emergency. Correctional officers may have failed to perform routine wellness checks.
Preventing Riverside County Inmate Deaths
Far too many people have died in Riverside County jails in recent years. These deaths have sparked several lawsuits. According to the Los Angeles Times, “California’s attorney general last year opened an ongoing civil rights investigation into the increase in deaths in custody, and Riverside County agreed to pay more than $12 million to settle lawsuits linked to detainee deaths going back to 2020. At least a dozen cases are still pending.” Many different steps can be taken to help prevent inmate deaths.
- Medical Screenings: Many of the critical medical issues that inmates have can be uncovered through a proper medical screening when they are first admitted.
- Contraband Control: Jails should take strict measures to prevent contraband and other illicit substances from entering inside.
- Training: All of the staff at a jail should be trained in emergency procedures. They should also be able to identify when an inmate is in medical distress.
- Medical Supplies: Jails should be equipped with all of the medical supplies necessary for emergencies, including AED machines and naloxone.
Jails should ideally take a holistic approach when it comes to caring for inmates. Part of this is treating everyone at these facilities with respect and decency. Adequate natural light can also go a long way towards improving the overall health and quality of life of every inmate. Unfortunately, it is more common for jails to neglect many items that improve the overall well-being of inmates. The family members of an inmate who died in custody are able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil action.
Investigating Riverside County Inmate Deaths
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Christopher Martinez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the authorities. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. The sheer number of deaths at Riverside County Jails in recent months remains deeply concerning.
Do you need more information about a Riverside County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that people are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. All people across California must be afforded due process and equal protection, regardless of what they may be accused of. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
