Statement on Jail Death Trial 

July 4, 2023 - San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Tuesday, after a preliminary hearing, Dr. Friederike Von Lintig and Sheriff's Nurse Danalee Pascua were bound over for trial. Both are facing charges of Penal Code section 192(b) – involuntary manslaughter – regarding the death of Elisa Serna.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department extends our sympathies to everyone affected by the death of Elisa Serna. No family should have to experience the level of grief felt with the loss of a loved one. The Sheriff is grateful for the hard work and integrity of the Sheriff's investigative team who presented this case to the District Attorney for criminal filing.  We appreciate the high ethical standards displayed during this difficult time by all our staff, many of whom were in court last week, testifying in this case. 

We are unable to comment on an ongoing criminal case and will continue to support the prosecution as it continues through the court process. 

The new Sheriff's Department leadership is committed to ongoing improvements in our jails, to include enhanced medical and mental health services for those in our custody. 

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department