Yesterday, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the third person died in Los Angeles County’s jail system since the calendar year turned.
Last year, 46 people died in custody, giving 2025 the highest yearly death count since 2021.
In 2021, it is important to note, there were 55 in-custody deaths in LA County’s jails, making it the deadliest year in the system in two decades.
Now, in less than the two weeks, 2026 has already reached the three death mark.
This proves nothing, of course, but it is not a good sign.
With all of the above and more in mind, along with some other critical issues, we’ll be taking a new look at the present state of our county’s deadly jails.
So stay tuned.
WOW, Fire Luna
That is why they forced Max Huntsman out. They don’t want true change or transparency.
Federal oversight for LASD is long overdue, period.
LASD is past due to have the Feds step in to monitor and regulate operations in the county correctional facilities.
Board of Supervisors have to step up ….
Board of Supervisors have to step up and quit playing politics.
How many homeless drug addicts die on the streets and gutters of LA County every day, month, year?
@celeste
By any sliver of a chance, were you able to determine what the cause of deaths were? Your article, although succinct fails to mention the aforementioned question.
I do not believe that these deaths were at the hands of Deputies. However, your article purports to malfeasance. I would hate to imply that this was your goal.
Editor’s note:
Thank you to each of you for your comments, and for the comments on the follow-up story published this past Thursday re: the fact that there was one more death.
By the way, we’re not suggesting that those working in custody are the problem.
C.
PS: More soon.