San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez Meeting

Elisa Serna, a 24-year-old pregnant woman, was incarcerated at the Las Colinas Detention Center in San Diego County for alleged theft. She suffered from withdrawal symptoms (vomiting and seizures) related to drug and alcohol addiction during her time in custody. Despite her pleas for help, jail personnel reportedly stood by as she suffered. Tragically, she did not receive the urgent medical attention she needed, she collapsed in her cell and was left on the floor to die.

The case has sparked concerns about the treatment of inmates, particularly those dealing with addiction and withdrawal. Over 3,100 pages of court documents and eight hours of video related to Elisa’s death have been made public, revealing disturbing evidence of her collapse and the lack of action from staff members present.

San Diego Sheriff Kelly Martinez acknowledged the unsettling nature of the evidence, stating that the staff’s actions did not align with the department’s values. However, Elisa’s family, expressed dissatisfaction with this response, emphasizing the need for public scrutiny and accountability.

Elisa’s case is not isolated and highlights broader issues within the justice system, including the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody. By raising awareness and demanding accountability, we can aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.