Jail not liable for an inmate who was released that later died in the hospital from natural causes

On December 18, 2020 at 10:15 p.m., Richard Moran was arrested by the Huntington Beach Police Department for vandalism, failure to register as a sex registrant, and failure to change his address as a registered sex offender. This arrest was filed as a misdemeanor vandalism and as a violation of Moran's probation. On December 23, 2020 Moran pled guilty to the misdemeanor vandalism and admitted his probation violation. Moran was sentenced to 150 days in The Orange County Jail.

On December 19, 2020 at 1:57 a.m., Moran was booked into OCJ. During the booking process, Moran was screened by Orange County Health Care Agency medical and mental health professionals. During this screening, Moran reported the following pre-existing medical conditions: Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol, and Hypertension. He reported taking Torvastat and Metformin. During the mental health screening, Moran expressed ideation of hurting others.

While in custody, Moran was monitored frequently. He regularly refused to cooperate with medical and mental health professionals. Moran regularly declined medications, vital checks, treatments for various ailments, and medical examinations by medical professionals.

On February 6, 2021 at 9:38 p.m., an OCHCA medical staff member was contacted by a jail deputy who reported that Moran had vomited. A standard nursing assessment was completed, which noted Moran's appearance as disheveled and Moran's demeanor as uncooperative. Moran refused medication.

On February 6, 2021, approximately 5:33 p.m., immediately after a safety check was conducted on Moran's cell, there was movement within the cell that appears to be a possible fall. Safety checks were performed approximately every 30 minutes after the possible fall. At approximately 8:08 p.m., deputies assist Moran from his cell and place him in a wheelchair. Moran is then transported to the nurse's station. Moran returned to his cell at approximately 8:17 p.m. The standard nursing assessment from that incident indicated Moran had vomited. Moran refused medication for both pain and vomiting as well as refused fluids. Moran was placed on a priority sick call for the next morning.

On Sunday February 7, 2021, at 6:05 a.m., an OCSD Deputy contacted Moran during the course of a safety check. The deputy noticed bruising and swelling on the right side of Moran's head. The deputy notified OCHCA medical staff of Moran's injury and medical staff examined him in his cell
within minutes of the deputy noticing the injury. An OCHCA Registered Nurse contacted Moran and observed a large “hematoma” to Moran's right front parietal. The nurse noted Moran was frail, uncooperative, and refusing medical treatment. The nurse conferred with an OCHCA doctor over the
phone. The doctor requested paramedics transport Moran to Orange County Global Medical Center for a higher level of care.

At 6:35 a.m., Moran had a visible injury to his right forehead, reported pain, and seemed confused. Moran was transported by Care Ambulance, from IRC to OCGMC Emergency Room. Moran was stable.

On February 8, 2021, Moran was transferred from OCGMC to Anaheim Global Medical Center. Shortly after being transferred, Moran's medical condition began to decline. Moran experienced acute kidney failure and septic shock. He was diagnosed with streptococcus. A CT scan revealed
cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (blood clots in the brain). Moran was diagnosed with bilateral cortical hemispheric strokes (brain strokes), sepsis (extreme reaction to infection), mastoiditis (ear infection), and fibrillation (a rapid heart rate).

On February 11, 2021, at 6:25 p.m., Moran was transferred back to OCGMC so he could receive a higher level of care. Moran was intubated upon arrival. OCGMC continued to treat Moran for acute encephalopathy, severe sepsis, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, psychosis, atrial fibrillation, and acute thrombocytopenia.

On February 12, 2021, it was noted by an OCGMC doctor that Moran had diminished lung capacity and his toes and heels had a “purplish” discoloration. Moran was monitored daily and had no significant changes or improvements. Moran remained on a ventilator and comatose. Over the next several weeks there was no significant improvement. On February 26, 2021 the doctor noted Moran remained comatose, was suffering from intracranial swelling, and that Moran's feet were now gangrenous. There was discussion that Moran's feet would need to be amputated.

On March 2, 2021, at 3:01 a.m., Moran was released from OCSD custody, after serving a full sentence. Moran remained hospitalized at OCGMC due to his critical condition. Because Moran was released from OCSD custody, there were no law enforcement personnel present to control access to or
preserve evidence at OCGMC. Moran's family was kept apprised of his condition, and they requested OCGMC to withdraw medical care. On March 3, 2021 at 3:35 p.m., Moran was pronounced deceased.