Lawsuit Allowed to Proceed in Death of Man Who Died in San Diego County Jail Custody
A federal judge has declined to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the mother of Abdul Kamara, 29, who died on March 4, 2024, hours after being placed in a restraint device at the Vista Detention Facility in San Diego County. The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Anthony Battaglia, allows the case to move forward, alleging that failures by San Diego County sheriff’s deputies contributed to Kamara’s death. The San Diego Union-Tribune and Courthouse News reported on the judge’s decision.
Timeline of Events
On March 3, 2024, Carlsbad paramedics responded to a medical emergency at a Carl’s Jr., finding Kamara wandering in a nearby parking lot. His blood pressure was dangerously high, registering at 181/116, and he requested transport to a hospital. At Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, medical staff described Kamara as “paranoid and delusional” and in require of further evaluation.
Before an evaluation could occur, Kamara left the emergency room barefoot and without a shirt. Hospital staff contacted 911, stating he needed “mental help” and was “unable to care for himself.” Deputies were dispatched to locate and return him to the hospital.
Approximately 30 minutes later, deputies found Kamara on the ground at a gas station about a mile from the hospital. He was handcuffed without resistance. Initially, deputies informed dispatch they were taking him back to the hospital, but later stated they would transport him to the Vista Detention Facility instead.
Restraint and Death
While in the patrol vehicle, Kamara reportedly became agitated and struck his head on the plexiglass divider, causing a cut. Upon arrival at the jail, deputies removed him from the vehicle and, after a period of erratic behavior, placed him in a full-body restraint device known as a WRAP restraint.
The lawsuit alleges that six deputies spent approximately seven minutes securing the device while applying their weight to Kamara, who was 5’6” and 136 pounds. He was placed face-down, allegedly violating protocol that requires restrained individuals to be positioned upright to ensure proper breathing. Jail medical staff were not consulted during the restraint process.
Paramedics arrived roughly 15 minutes later and found Kamara’s blood pressure dangerously low at 79/51. He became unresponsive and experienced cardiac arrest. He was transported to Tri-City Medical Center, where doctors briefly restored his pulse, but his condition rapidly deteriorated, and he was pronounced dead at 4:03 a.m.
Cause of Death and Allegations of Systemic Issues
The medical examiner determined Kamara’s death was likely caused by a combination of methamphetamine use and complications from sickle cell disease, with physical exertion and agitation potentially triggering a sickle cell crisis. The manner of death was ruled an accident.
However, the lawsuit argues that a “pattern and practice” exists within the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department of taking individuals experiencing crises to jail rather than providing necessary medical attention. The lawsuit cites over 20 prior deaths in custody involving individuals with medical or drug-related crises.
The judge rejected the county’s argument that calling paramedics absolved them of liability, stating the lawsuit alleges a practice of prioritizing jail intake over medical care.
Kamara’s Background
Abdul Kamara immigrated to the United States from Sierra Leone with his family at age 15. He worked as a certified nursing assistant and was attending the Gemological Institute of America in Oceanside, planning to return to Virginia to continue his education. His mother described him as quiet, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others.
Prior to his death, Kamara had been arrested on February 11, 2024, after becoming combative at an Oceanside hotel. He was initially taken to Tri-City Medical Center and later released to jail, but returned to the hospital due to rhabdomyolysis, a potentially fatal condition. He was hospitalized for six days before being discharged.