Michael A. Jackson Died in Chino In-Custody at California Institution for Men

Michael A. Jackson: 72-Year-Old Condemned Inmate Pronounced Dead at Outside Medical Facility

CHINO, CALIFORNIA (June 6, 2026): Michael A. Jackson, 72, a condemned inmate serving a sentence for first-degree murder, died on June 6, 2026, while incarcerated at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino, San Bernardino County. He was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:25 p.m. at an outside medical facility. The San Bernardino County Coroner has been called upon to determine the official cause of death, and the circumstances surrounding the events leading to his transport and subsequent passing remain under review.

Liability for San Bernardino In-Custody Deaths

When an incarcerated person dies while in the custody of a California state correctional facility, multiple legal frameworks may impose liability on the responsible government entities and their employees. Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights), surviving family members may pursue claims for constitutional violations committed under color of law. The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, guarantees convicted inmates the right to adequate medical care. The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution extends due process protections broadly. At the state level, the California Civil Code § 52.1 (the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act) provides a cause of action for interference with civil rights through threat, intimidation, or coercion. Critically, California Government Code § 845.6 imposes a mandatory duty on correctional officers and staff to summon medical care when they know or have reason to know that an inmate requires immediate medical attention. Under Monell v. Department of Social Services (1978) 436 U.S. 658, government entities such as the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) may be held liable where an unconstitutional policy, practice, or custom caused the harm.

  • Inadequate Medical Screening: Failure to identify serious conditions upon intake.
  • Delayed Emergency Response: Correctional staff failing to call 911 promptly.
  • Infrequent Wellness Checks: Officers not monitoring at-risk inmates.
  • Medication Errors: Improper administration or denial of prescribed medication.

Families of inmates who die in custody may pursue claims grounded in constitutional violations, professional negligence, and mandatory statutory duties. Available damages may include wrongful death compensation, loss of familial relationship, funeral and burial expenses, pre-death pain and suffering endured by the decedent, and, where egregious conduct is established, punitive damages against individual officers or administrators. Even where a cause of death is listed as natural causes, the question of whether the facility's actions, or failures to act, contributed to or accelerated that death remains legally significant and worthy of independent investigation.

Steps to Take After a San Bernardino In-Custody Death

According to the California Department of Justice, hundreds of in-custody deaths are reported across California correctional facilities each year, yet families frequently face significant institutional barriers when attempting to obtain truthful and timely information about what happened to their loved ones.

  • Request all jail records, booking forms, and medical logs related to the detention.
  • Obtain all video footage from the facility before it is destroyed.
  • Request the coroner report and pursue an independent autopsy if needed.
  • File a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident.
  • Consult a civil rights attorney experienced in Section 1983 claims immediately.

Statute of limitations: 2 years, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For claims against government entities: California Government Code § 845.6 (mandatory duty to summon medical care). Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Investigating San Bernardino In-Custody Deaths

We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael A. Jackson. Did CIM staff recognize signs of a serious medical condition in Mr. Jackson and, if so, was emergency care summoned without delay as required under California Government Code § 845.6? Were the facility's medical screening protocols, wellness check schedules, and emergency response procedures for elderly or high-risk condemned inmates adequate to meet the constitutional standard of care required under the Eighth Amendment?

Do you have questions about a San Bernardino in-custody death (condemned/natural causes pending)? Our team is here for you. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.