Frank Lopez, 26, Died in Jail Cell While Staying at Notorious Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (January 15, 2026) – A 26-year-old inmate identified as Frank Lopez has tragically died while in custody at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident took place on January 12. Frank Lopez was in the 2300 block of the jail.
Correctional officers noticed that he was in need of medical assistance. Jail staff and medical staff began life-saving care, but Frank Lopez was pronounced dead at the jail.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths
Many people die in custody every year in jails and prisons across the United States. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “A total of 4,234 persons died in state and federal prisons in 2019, a 6.6% decrease from the 4,515 deaths in 2018 reported to the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) Mortality in Correctional Institutions (MCI, formerly the Deaths in Custody Reporting Program) data collection.” There are many common causes of inmate death.
- Untreated medical conditions
- Excessive force by correctional officers.
- Medication errors
- Inadequate care during medical emergencies
- Overdose
All inmates have a constitutional right to receive reasonably adequate care for all of their medical conditions. Failing to give inmates adequate medical care is considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment and therefore unconstitutional. If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim.
Steps to Take After Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths
The Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles has a long and sordid history of poor care for inmates. It was supposed to close many years ago but remains open. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, “A horrifying video smuggled out of Men’s Central Jail in June 2023 showed jail staff neglecting to intervene in a violent assault that stretched on for more than 10 minutes. Stories like this emphasize the urgency of reducing the jail population and expanding effective community-based alternatives to incarceration.” Certain action should be taken after any inmate dies in custody.
- Autopsy Report: The autopsy report related to the incident should be carefully reviewed.
- Jail Records: Jail records related to the incident should be carefully examined. Jails will keep very detailed records about all of the care and treatment that inmates are given.
- Legal Review: The family of any person who died in a Los Angeles County Jail should consult with an experienced civil rights attorney. An attorney can determine whether or not jail officials violated constitutional standards.
It can be difficult to know what to do after an inmate dies while in custody. Families are often left without answers. In fact, jails will often be quick to claim that any inmate died from natural causes. However, many inmate deaths involve improper care and some form of neglect. The family of any person who died in a Los Angeles County jail may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating Los Angeles County Inmate Deaths
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Frank Lopez. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is deeply concerning that a jail that was supposed to be closed remains open as more and more people die there.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles County inmate death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. 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 any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
