San Diego County Settles for $15 Million in Jail Death Lawsuit, Promises Reform After Tragic Loss of Pregnant Woman

San Diego, CA – San Diego County and its private healthcare contractor have settled for $15 million in a lawsuit following the death of Elisa Serna, a 24-year-old pregnant woman who died in custody at Las Colinas jail nearly five years ago. The settlement comes just weeks before the case was scheduled to be heard by a federal jury. Serna tragically lost her life after collapsing in her cell, a distressing event that was witnessed by a sheriff’s deputy and a medical worker who subsequently left her unattended. This forthcoming payment marks the largest wrongful-death … Read more

Judge Denies Pretrial Release of Two Teens Charged with Aggravated Hijacking of Pregnant Woman’s Vehicle in Joliet

JOLIET, Illinois – Two teenagers charged with the aggravated hijacking of a pregnant woman’s vehicle in Joliet have been denied pretrial release by a Will County judge. Louis Jones, 18, and Dakoda Ulmer, 18, both of Joliet, are facing charges related to the incident that occurred on February 8th. Judge Zachary Pollack determined that their release would pose a danger to others. Ulmer, who is accused of aggravated battery against the pregnant woman, allegedly pressed a gun against her stomach while she was in the vehicle with her 13-year-old daughter. The court order signed by … Read more