Sacramento, Calif. — A $3.5 million settlement has been reached in the case of a man who died under suspicious circumstances while incarcerated at a Sacramento County Jail, marking a significant moment of accountability in a system long criticized for its treatment of detainees.
Marshall Miles, 36, died in November 2018 shortly after being restrained by sheriff’s deputies during what was described as a severe psychotic episode. According to the lawsuit filed by his family, Miles was subjected to excessive force after being arrested on suspicion of vandalism. He reportedly became unresponsive following the incident and was declared dead days later at a hospital.
The county coroner’s report listed Miles’ cause of death as “complications of cardiopulmonary arrest while restrained,” with acute methamphetamine intoxication considered a contributing factor. However, the family’s suit contended that Miles did not receive the necessary medical evaluation or intervention that might have prevented his death.
The settlement, approved by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, brings closure to a lengthy legal battle but opens broader conversations about the need for reform within the local law enforcement and penal systems. Civil rights attorneys and family members of Miles argue that his death could have been avoided had better practices been in place.
“This settlement represents not just an acknowledgment of the loss of life but also the urgent need for systemic change within the institutions tasked with supervising vulnerable individuals,” stated one of the family’s attorneys. The legal team emphasized that this case highlights the dangers of neglecting mental health issues within the correctional system.
In response to the incident and the legal outcome, Sacramento County officials have reportedly introduced several policy changes aimed at improving the treatment of inmates, particularly those exhibiting signs of mental illness. These include enhanced training for handling psychiatric crises and the implementation of more rigorous checks on inmates experiencing distress.
The Miles case thus not only brings justice to a grieving family but also serves as a critical impetus for reform. It underscores the importance of continuously evaluating the use of force and the need for comprehensive mental health care in custodial settings.
As part of the settlement agreement, the County has not admitted any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, the substantial payout sends a clear message that the accountability for inmate safety and ethical treatment is paramount. Moving forward, observers will be watching closely to see if these reforms lead to significant improvements in inmate care and whether they can prevent future tragedies similar to the death of Marshall Miles.
Family members and their supporters hope that this case will inspire similar introspections and changes in other jurisdictions, drawing attention to a national issue that often goes unaddressed until a tragedy occurs. Their message is clear: reform is overdue, and accountability is essential in protecting the lives and rights of all individuals under state care.