FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The family of a 22-year-old man who was found unconscious in a Fresno County jail cell has filed a government claim against the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, alleging more could have been done to prevent his death.
Kane Rubio’s family filed the claim at the Fresno County Hall of Records.
Rubio was arrested on June 11 and booked into the Fresno County Jail on domestic violence charges.
According to the claim, Rubio exhibited suicidal ideation and signs of a psychiatric crisis during the three days he was in custody.
The claim alleges that Rubio attempted to commit suicide inside his jail cell on June 14. Family members said he remained hospitalized for 17 days before being declared brain dead on July 1.
Rubio’s relatives say jail staff failed to provide the care and supervision he needed.
“There were signs. He needed help. He needed to be watched. He needed to be taken care of, and the jail didn’t do that for him,” said Hope Posas, Rubio’s godmother.
His mother, Crystal Rivas, said she wants answers and accountability.
“I don’t want this to happen to anybody else at any time later, either. I want them to be accountable and take care of the people in custody,” Rivas said.
The family is calling for accountability and additional information from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement to Action News, the sheriff’s office said Rubio was housed alone in a cell and that the incident is being investigated as a suicide.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
