Family of inmate who died at Santa Cruz County Jail files lawsuit
Family of Tamario Smith, sues Santa Cruz County Jail along with others.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The family of Tamario Smith has filed a lawsuit against the Santa Cruz County Jail and other agencies, alleging "longstanding and systemic deficiencies" that ultimately lead to the death of Tamario Smith.
Tamario Smith was only 20 years old when he was found facedown in his cell, surrounded by a mysterious liquid and his own body fluids. Smith was being held on a felony charge at the Santa Cruz County Jail.
Dr. Katz, the psychologist who was assigned to examine Smith, was their establish whether Smith suffered from a psychiatric illness and recommend a course of treatment.