Brian Waterman, 38, Died Following Medical Emergency Inside Holding Cell at Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside
RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA (April 27, 2026) – A 38-year-old inmate identified as Brian Waterman has tragically died while staying at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is saying that the incident began on Friday. They received a report about a person who is suffering some type of medical emergency inside of a holding cell.
Jail officials located Brian Waterman and began administering medical aid. This was taken over by paramedics who were called to the scene.
Despite additional care at the hospital, Brian Waterman was later pronounced deceased. A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Riverside County Inmate Deaths
Every jail in California has a legal obligation to care for all of the needs of the inmates that they house. When the state assumes control of someone through incarceration, certain constitutional standards must apply. Among other things, inmates must receive all of the medical treatment that they require. There are many ways that a jail may fail to properly care for an inmate in their custody.
- A jail may fail to provide an inmate with a proper medical screening when they are being admitted.
- A jail may fail to closely monitor an inmate who is showing signs of medical distress.
- A jail may fail to provide an inmate with the medication that they need.
- Law enforcement officers may have used excessive force prior to an inmate’s incarceration.
If a jail is deliberately indifferent to the serious medical needs of an inmate, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. For example, a jail may not bring an inmate to the hospital in a timely manner after learning they’re in distress. In many cases, jails will not take an inmate’s pleas for medical aid seriously. Even small delays and care can have major consequences.
Steps to Take After Riverside County Inmate Deaths
Far too many inmates have died in recent years at jails across Riverside County. The county has faced a number of lawsuits related to these deaths. According to the Desert Sun, “Four families have filed separate federal lawsuits against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department claiming their relatives died in the county’s jails last year due to failures in training and emergency medical treatment.” Several steps should be taken after any Riverside County inmate death.
- Medical records related to the death should be sought.
- The actions of correctional officers leading up to the incident should be investigated.
- The history of inmate deaths at the facility should be scrutinized.
- The family of any inmate who died in custody should seek an independent review by a team experienced in constitutional claims.
Jails are often quick to claim that many of the deaths in their care are natural. But this designation is often highly misleading. Many of these so-called natural deaths involved inmates who are very young. In reality, they tend to involve situations where inmates did not receive proper medical care. The family of any inmate who died in custody is able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Riverside County Inmate Deaths
We at Carrazco Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Brian Waterman. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. The sheer number of deaths in recent years at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside remains deeply concerning.
Do you need more information about an inmate death at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside? Our team of civil rights advocates is here for you. We care deeply that inmates are aware of their rights and that law enforcement agencies are held fully accountable for their negligent actions of their employees. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
