SAN DIEGO — The family of a woman who died while in custody at the Las Colinas detention facility in Santee is calling for reform more than two years after the death of their loved one.
Vianna Granillo's family held a rally outside the facility this weekend on what would've been her 28th birthday. Her family says jail staff didn't give her withdrawal medication and didn't immediately perform CPR when she was unresponsive.
"We stood there and sang happy birthday to her. It was really emotional for me because I miss her so much. She was such a wonderful soul. She would've been 28 years old," said Diana Sanchez, her mother.
Granillo was arrested near San Marcos for violating a protective order. While in jail, she allegedly told jail staff that she was suffering from withdrawals. Medical records indicate she "was begging for withdrawal medication." The lawsuit says opioid withdrawal symptoms can be fatal if untreated. Her mom wants the jails to improve their protocols and feels that could have saved her daughter's life.
"I want reform. I want to know what happened to my daughter. She was gasping for air for 12 minutes before they found her. When they found her they didn't do what they were supposed to do," Sanchez said.
Granillo left behind a son. He's now six years old.
"Her family is creating a village for him. We want to be able to provide him with a sense of financial security so he can pursue his dreams. I can't bring Vianna back but can try to make his life a little bit easier," said Danielle Pena, the family's civil rights attorney.
CBS 8 reached out to the sheriff's office for comment and are still waiting to hear back.
Earlier this year, the county settled on another lawsuit involving the death of 24-year-old Elisa Serna. The family was awarded a historic $15 million.