Jacqueline Livingston, 62, Died After Being Transported to Hospital Following Stay After Being Held In Custody
KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (March 14, 2026) – A woman identified as Jacqueline Livingston has tragically died in custody after being detained in Kern County.
Kern County officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:33 PM on March 2. Jacqueline Livingston was placed in custody at the 3000 block of Sierra Highway in Rosamond.
The circumstances leading up to the incident remain unknown. At some point, she was transferred to the Antelope Valley Medical Center to receive care.
Despite life-saving measures at the hospital, Jacqueline Livingston was later pronounced dead. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Kern County In Custody Deaths
When a person is deprived of their liberty through detention or incarceration, certain constitutional standards will apply. Suspects have a legal right to equal protection and due process under the constitution. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. There are many factors that could contribute to any in-custody death.
- Authorities may place a suspect in the prone position that restricts their breathing.
- Authorities may fail to get someone adequate medical care in the midst of an emergency.
- Authorities may aggravate existing medical conditions through the extensive use of tasers and chemical sprays.
If police officers or other law-enforcement employees fail to provide someone with the adequate medical treatment that they need, this could serve as evidence of negligence. All persons who were placed in custody have a legal right to receive reasonably adequate medical treatment. Failing to provide someone in custody with adequate medical treatment is illegal. In particular, law enforcement must not act with deliberate indifference towards the medical needs of those in their care.
Steps to Take After Kern County In Custody Deaths
Far too many people die in police custody every year across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Federal law enforcement agencies reported 120 arrest-related deaths and 483 deaths in custody in fiscal year (FY) 2022 (figure 1). From FY 2016 to FY 2022, federal agencies reported an average of 72 arrest-related deaths and 501 deaths in custody each year.” Several steps should be taken after any in custody death.
- All medical records related to the incident should be sought. They can help reveal what happened.
- Any person that may have witnessed the incident should be interviewed while their memories are still fresh.
- All of the body camera footage from responding officers should be collected.
- The family of any person who died in police custody should seek the guidance of a team with experience in constitutional law.
Many in custody deaths are totally preventable. They tend to involve situations where officers are either unwilling or unable to provide a suspect with the care that they need. Unfortunately, the police departments will virtually never accept responsibility when someone in their care dies in custody. This is why it is so important that these incidents be thoroughly investigated by an outside party. The family of a person who died in custody may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a constitutional claim.
Investigating Kern County In Custody Deaths
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jacqueline Livingston. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that other tragedies may be averted.
Do you need more information about a Kern County in custody death? Our team of civil rights advocates is here for you. We care deeply that victims of police misconduct are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.
