Jail Death: Fentanyl Overdose Hours Before Release

Breanna Esparza, a 29-year-old detainee, died from a fentanyl overdose on May 29, 2024, just hours before her scheduled release from the Sandoval County Detention Center. Her father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the county, its detention center, and medical contractor CorrHealth, alleging gross negligence.

The lawsuit claims that despite Esparza's history of substance use and pleas for mental health support, the facility failed to provide adequate care. It points to oversights during her intake screening, including a failure to note her prior fentanyl use and needle marks, and a rescheduled psychiatric appointment that never occurred.

Esparza's death is one of several incidents cited in the lawsuit, which alleges a "pervasive pattern and practice" of illicit drug use and overdoses at the detention center. The suit further contends that the facility's response to a prior overdose on the same day Esparza was found unresponsive was inadequate, with a required contraband search not being performed.

Sandoval County officials stated they are committed to the well-being of detainees and are reviewing the lawsuit. CorrHealth did not respond to requests for comment. Esparza's family is seeking damages, with her father expressing profound disappointment that his daughter was not safe in jail.