“Please help me” were the final words of Bobby Ray Patton Jr., uttered from his jail cell at the Vista Detention Facility and, according to investigators, ignored by a San Diego County deputy. Patton died hours later on December 28, 2024.

Patton’s Declining Health

In the hours leading up to his death, Patton, who was being treated for pneumonia and had recently been diagnosed with the flu, repeatedly expressed his distress. He reported experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Just eight hours prior, the same deputy had escorted him to the jail’s medical clinic.

Ignored Pleas for Assistance

According to preliminary findings from the county’s Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB), Deputy 3 observed Patton audibly moaning through the cell door window. Instead of responding, the deputy reportedly turned away and continued walking. Patton then pleaded, “Please help me,” but Deputy 3 exited the module and deactivated their body-worn camera.

Investigation Findings and Recommendations

CLERB investigators recommended sustained findings against Deputy 3 on multiple allegations, including criminal conduct for failing to respond to Patton’s medical emergency. The report cites legal precedent defining criminal negligence as reckless behavior creating a high risk of death or serious injury. The standard of evidence for CLERB is a preponderance of the evidence.

The all-volunteer review board is scheduled to vote on the findings Thursday night. Sustaining the findings could have implications, though the board’s recommendations are advisory and Sheriff Kelly Martinez is not legally obligated to act upon them.

Conflicting Reports

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSO) Homicide Unit investigated Patton’s death, and the medical examiner ruled it accidental, attributing it to health complications. Lt. David Collins stated, “Additionally, the investigation revealed no evidence of criminal conduct,” and the case was not referred to the District Attorney’s Office.

However, a spokesperson for District Attorney Summer Stephan clarified that the office can review cases independently, even without a law enforcement referral. The Sheriff’s Critical Incident Review Board (CIRB) also reviewed the incident on August 13, 2025, but currently has “no action items” pending.

CIRB’s Role and Transparency Concerns

Lt. Collins emphasized that CIRB does not conduct investigations or issue misconduct findings, but rather assesses the Sheriff’s Office’s civil exposure. A 2022 state audit criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the CIRB’s internal reviews of in-custody deaths, recommending public access to its findings.

Broader Concerns About In-Custody Deaths

Patton’s death raises questions about reforms implemented by Sheriff Martinez since taking office in January 2023. Dozens of people have died in custody during her tenure, resulting in millions of dollars in legal settlements. George C. Klein, a criminal justice expert, reviewed CLERB’s findings and stated that Deputy 3 violated department policies by failing to conduct a safety check.

Patton’s Arrest and Medical History

Bobby Ray Patton Jr. was arrested by Riverside County deputies on November 25, 2024, on a probation violation warrant and transferred to San Diego County custody. During booking, he disclosed a history of fentanyl use and enrollment in a methadone treatment program. He later developed influenza A and was treated for suspected pneumonia after reporting chest pain and shortness of breath.

Final Hours and Response

On the night of December 27th, Patton was taken back to the clinic for evaluation and returned to his cell. Around 9:45 p.m., he again used the intercom to report severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Investigators found that Deputy 1 also failed to adequately respond during a safety check around 6:55 a.m. on December 28th, briefly looking into Patton’s cell while he was moaning.

It wasn’t until later that a deputy returned with the medication-assisted treatment team, at which point Patton was found unresponsive. CPR and Narcan were administered, but Patton was pronounced dead. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be acute bacterial bronchopneumonia, with influenza and substance use as contributing factors. Toxicology reports showed a higher-than-expected methadone level.