Inmates

Justice Denied: Doctor and Nurse Cleared of Manslaughter Charges in Inmate’s Death at San Diego County Jail

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Santee, California – The criminal case against a doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of an inmate at the Las Colinas jail was dismissed on Wednesday. Dr. Friederike Von Lintig, 59, had been acquitted by a 9-3 jury vote just days before. The same jury also found nurse Danalee Pascua, 39, not guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Dr. Von Lintig was the physician on duty when 24-year-old Elisa Serna died, and Pascua was the last nurse to see her before her death. Serna had collapsed in her cell at the jail’s medical observation unit … Read more

Nurse Acquitted, Doctor Faces Uncertain Future in Inmate’s Death at San Diego Jail

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SAN DIEGO, California – A nurse has been acquitted of involuntary manslaughter charges related to the death of an inmate at a women’s jail in San Diego County. However, a jury was unable to reach a verdict regarding a doctor also facing manslaughter charges in connection with the same incident. After deliberating for just over two days, Danalee Pascua, 39, was found not guilty by an El Cajon jury of causing the death of Elisa Serna at the Las Colinas Detention Facility in Santee on November 11, 2019. In addition, jurors voted 9-3 in favor … Read more

Former Inmate’s Dream of Becoming a Firefighter Derailed by Unjust Criminal Record Restrictions

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Los Angeles, California – Finding employment can be a challenging task for many individuals, but for Fernando Herrera, the obstacles are even greater. As a teenager, Herrera committed two felonies, resulting in a lifelong ban from his dream job as a firefighter in the state of California. Despite his troubled past, Herrera turned his life around and discovered his passion for firefighting. While serving time in prison, he worked as an unpaid firefighter and continued his journey upon release as a volunteer firefighter. Herrera even played a vital role in extinguishing the devastating 2018 Camp … Read more

Oklahoma Lawmakers File Lawsuit Seeking Release of Communication Documents in Death Row Inmate’s Clemency Hearing

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Duncan, Oklahoma – Two Oklahoma lawmakers have filed a lawsuit against District 6 District Attorney Jason Hicks, seeking access to communications related to the clemency hearing of death row inmate Richard Glossip. Representatives Justin Humphrey and Kevin McDugle filed the lawsuit on December 20 in Stephens County District Court. The lawmakers are requesting the release of documents that outline the communications between Hicks and other members of the District Attorney Council, as well as reimbursement of attorney fees. Hicks, who oversees Caddo, Grady, Jefferson, and Stephens Counties, refused to provide the records in response to … Read more