Jonathan Rizzo Dies After Incarceration in El Paso County
Jonathan Rizzo, 34, was booked into El Paso County Jail on May 22, 2025. Tragically, Mr. Rizzo died in the jail’s custody on August 1, 2025. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office filed a custodial death report (CDR) about him on the day of his death. It reveals that Mr. Rizzo did not appear to be intoxicated on drugs or alcohol during the intake process, nor did he make suicidal statements. The answer is “unknown” as to whether he exhibited medical or mental health problems.
He was placed in a multi-occupancy cell, and only three other things are revealed in the CDR about Mr. Rizzo until the summary of how he died at the end of the document. The CDR reflects that the medical cause of death is unknown at this time, except that, presumably, it was a pre-existing medical condition. Also, the medical examiner is conducting an autopsy, the results of which are awaited.
- The summary reveals that Mr. Rizzo was placed in the El Paso County Detention Facility and assigned to Cellblock 790. While conducting a routine physical check of the floor at approximately 6:16 p.m. on August 1, 2025, detention officers observed “Inmate Rizzo” unresponsive in his cell. He was slumped over, facing the commode. A deputy immediately reported over the radio that there was a medical emergency.
- At about 6:24 p.m., additional detention officers arrived, entered the cell, and assisted in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Meanwhile, the El Paso Fire Department was notified and responded. Mr. Rizzo was subsequently transported by El Paso Fire Department Rescue 4 to Las Palmas Medical Center. At approximately 7:00 p.m., hospital physician Dr. Crosby pronounced Jonathan Rizzo deceased.
Security cameras in Cellblock 790 recorded the incident, as well as the body cameras of the supervisors who were present at the scene.
No foul play is suspected at this time, and an investigation is currently ongoing.
The address of Las Palmas Medical Center is 1801 N Oregon St., El Paso, TX 79902.
Do County Jails Provide Medical Care?
County jails are required by law to provide detainees with necessary medical care for mental and physical issues. This right is affirmed by the Supreme Court. Yet, research shows that approximately 68% of the detainees with persistent medical problems do not receive medical treatment while in jail.
Part of the problem is that the services deemed “medically necessary” aren’t specified. Emergency services and the management of chronic illnesses are usually assumed to be covered. The bottom line is that, in general, local jails are not good places to be for inmates who have ongoing or new health problems needing medical treatment.
An example of potential medical neglect is found in a TCJS inspector’s notes after a special jail inspection that occurred as a follow-up to a custodial death in El Paso County Jail. The note about the related jail violation reflects the following:
- Documentation and video were reviewed in connection with a custodial death in El Paso County Jail. It was discovered that jailers failed to notify the medical staff of the need for possible acute and emergency care of the detainee.
Committed Legal Support for Families After a Jail-Related Death
Correctional facilities have a responsibility to ensure the safety and health of every individual in their care. If your loved one died while in custody and you believe neglect, mistreatment, or inadequate medical attention may have played a role, the Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., is here to help you pursue justice.
Our firm is focused on handling wrongful death cases involving jails and detention centers, and we are dedicated to uncovering the truth and protecting the rights of those impacted.
We are available for free and confidential consultations. Reach out 24/7 by phone, text, or through our secure online form.
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