Michael Jorgenson (Full Name: Michael Kennith Jorgenson) Died After Being Found Unresponsive In His Jail Cell at Shasta County Jail
SHASTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (October 29, 2025) – A 24-year-old inmate identified as Michael Jorgenson has tragically died in custody at the Shasta County Jail.
Shasta County officials are saying that the incident took place early Sunday morning. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to his cell and noticed that Michael Jorgenson was unresponsive on the floor.
Deputies began rendering medical aid, which was eventually taken over by paramedics. Michael Jorgenson was transported to the hospital to receive treatment.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. A full investigation for the death at the Shasta County Jail remains ongoing.
Liability for Shasta County Inmate Deaths
Jails have a legal obligation to protect inmates from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. They must also provide inmates with reasonably adequate medical care for all of their medical conditions. Every inmate enters jail with different medical needs. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. There are many ways jail officials may have acted with deliberate indifference.
- Medication: Jail officials may have failed to give an inmate the medication that they needed.
- Self-Harm: Jail officials may have failed to properly monitor an inmate at risk of harming themselves.
- Emergency Care: Jails may have neglected to provide an inmate timely medical care in the event of a medical emergency.
One of the ways that jails are supposed to take care of inmates is by monitoring them. In most cases, inmates must receive periodic wellness checks. In certain cases, an inmate’s medical condition will necessitate that they receive constant monitoring by medical staff. It is fairly common for jails to neglect to monitor the inmates in their care. By the time staff do respond to an emergency, it may already be too late.
Preventing Shasta County Inmate Deaths
Far too many people die in county jails every year. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “In 2019, there were 1,200 deaths in local jails, a more than 5% increase from 2018 (1,138 deaths). The local jail mortality rate in 2019 was 167 deaths per 100,000 inmates, up 11% from 2000 (151 per 100,000).” Jails should take certain steps to prevent inmate deaths.
- Training: Jail staff should be trained to recognize when an inmate may need additional medical care.
- Naloxone: Jails should be stocked with naloxone to help prevent overdose deaths.
- Wellness Checks: Inmates should receive periodic wellness checks to ensure that they are doing alright.
- Audits: Jails should go through audits to detect safety deficiencies so that they can be properly addressed.
Many of the deaths that occurred in county jails take place before an inmate is even convicted of the crime for which they are being held. This subverts a fundamental tenet of the constitution. Namely, people are presumed innocent until they are found guilty by a jury of their peers. The family member of any inmate who dies in custody may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Shasta County Civil Rights Claims
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Michael Jorgenson. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Every person in California deserves due care and equal protection, regardless of what they may be accused of.
Do you need more information about a Shasta County inmate death? Our team of civil rights advocates is here for you. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
