What led to Breanna Esparza's death in jail?

Breanna Esparza died from a fentanyl overdose on May 29, 2024, hours before her scheduled release from the Sandoval County Detention Center.

Who is being sued in the wrongful death lawsuit?

The lawsuit was filed by Esparza's father against Sandoval County, the Sandoval County Detention Center, and its medical contractor, CorrHealth.

What does the lawsuit allege about the detention center?

The lawsuit alleges gross negligence, a failure to provide adequate mental health and substance abuse support, and a pattern of illicit drug use and overdoses within the facility.

Home / Crime and Justice / Jail Death: Fentanyl Overdose Hours Before Release

Jail Death: Fentanyl Overdose Hours Before Release

20 Apr

•

Summary

Breanna Esparza died from fentanyl overdose just hours before her release.
A lawsuit alleges gross negligence by jail staff and medical providers.
The lawsuit claims a pattern of drug use and insufficient care within the facility.

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.