SAN DIEGO — The family of Elisa Serna, who died while in custody at Las Colinas, has just reached a $15 million settlement with the County of San Diego.
It’s the largest settlement in history for a wrongful death action against the San Diego Sheriff's Department.
Videos show jail staff did not give Serva the care she needed, which ultimately led to her death.
Serna’s mom told CBS 8 that watching those videos for the first time was heart-wrenching.
“I wanted to commit suicide. They don't care. There's no compassion,” said Paloma Serna.
Elisa Serna was just 24 years old when she died.
The mom of one, who was also pregnant at the time, was arrested for stealing liquor from a convenience store, then sent to medical isolation suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Serna's attorney and her family said the videos, which they fought to have released, were crucial in proving medical staff did not give Serna the treatment she needed, and often ignored her, even after she was seen having seizures, falling and vomiting dozens of times.
“She was never brought to a hospital, despite her requests. She was never given an IV and she was left to die.” said attorney, Gene Iredale.
The $15 million settlement is historic because of the dollar amount and requires the Sheriff’s Department to implement training and policy changes.
In addition to the significant payout, $14 million of which falls on San Diego taxpayers via the County’s Public Liability fund, the County is required to provide enhanced training for jail staff, including on how to be more compassionate.
The resolution also calls on the Sheriff to update the policy on checking vital signs of inmates in the medical observation unit.
In a statement, San Diego Sheriff Kelly Marinez, who was not Sheriff at the time, said:
“Elisa Serna died in Sheriff's custody on November 11, 2019. Elisa Serna deserved better. My sympathy goes to the Serna family and everyone who has been affected by this case, and I am glad that the County of San Diego and the family have reached a settlement.
At the time of this incident, I was the Assistant Sheriff of Law Enforcement Services overseeing, among other areas, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit. It was brought to my attention that the detective assigned to investigate Elisa's death believed some of our own staff and contracted medical providers could be criminally liable in the case. I am grateful for the investigator's courage in bringing that information forward. We submitted the investigation to the District Attorney's Office for review and prosecution and the case ultimately went to trial earlier this year. I am grateful to the District Attorney, the court, and the jury for their careful consideration during the criminal trial.
When I was elected as Sheriff in November 2022, I attempted to meet with the Serna family, and they, perhaps understandably, did not respond to my efforts. I am glad that part of this settlement will provide me the opportunity to meet with them and I hope that meeting brings them further closure.
While the actions and decisions of a few individuals has been the focus of this case, our jail system has about 2,000 employees who provide for the safety and security of our jails. They see to the needs of the incarcerated population, and work tirelessly behind the scenes providing tens of thousands of medical and mental health interactions for the more than 50,000 individuals processed through our jail system each year.
There have been many changes and an incredible shift in priorities, approach, and processes in our jails since 2019. As Sheriff I am committed to improving our jail system and ensuring the jails are safe for everyone who is incarcerated and for all our employees. I will continue to provide my staff with the training, tools, and equipment they need to do their jobs at the highest level.”
According to records, 75 people have died in custody since Serna's death, and the County has paid out $75 million for deputy negligence or misconduct over the past five years.
For Serna's loved ones, the settlement does not signal an end to their nightmare, but does give them hope they can prevent another family from going through the same thing.
“It’s not about the money. It’s the policy changes. A lot of these deaths are preventable if they would have done their job," said Paloma Serna.
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