How Jail Deaths Are Hidden from Public Scrutiny
The Case of Karim Talib
In San Diego County, when someone dies in jail, the public usually only gets a name, age, and charges. The rest stays hidden unless a family sues.
Karim Talib, 82, died in the San Diego Central Jail in July. The Sheriff’s Office released little information. His family was hard to find.
Witness Accounts from Inmates
Three inmates near Talib saw his condition worsen. They reported:
- He was confused, in a wheelchair, and wore only a shirt and diaper.
- His cell smelled bad.
- They yelled for help, but he lay in his own waste, barely moving.
- One inmate saw him with feces on his shirt and diaper.
- He was wheeled out to clean his cell but returned dirty.
Autopsy Findings and Unanswered Questions
The Medical Examiner said Talib died from heart disease and a kidney infection. However:
- The autopsy did not explain how he got the infection.
- It did not clarify if jail conditions helped it spread.
- It did not state if staff ignored warning signs or gave him proper care.
Secrecy in Jail Death Investigations
A 2017 law makes autopsy reports less detailed. Before, they provided more information. Now, medical history is often cut out.
The Sheriff’s Office can also hide records like videos and reports, claiming it’s for investigations. However, records often stay sealed for years.
A New Review Board – Too Late for Talib
A new board can now review medical care in jail deaths. But it’s too late for Talib.
The public should know if jail conditions cause deaths. Talib’s case shows why. His autopsy tells what killed him, but not if it could have been prevented.
