Family Seeks Answers in Daniel Magaña’s Jail Death

Relatives of Daniel Magaña, a 40-year-old man who died after being found unconscious in a Los Angeles jail cell, are calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death. Magaña passed away on September 5, 10 days after being discovered unresponsive at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. He was arrested on August 21 for allegedly evading police and booked into the downtown jail the same day.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department records indicate that Magaña was the ninth person to die this year while held at Twin Towers. Another inmate died on September 20, with the cause still pending an autopsy.

The family filed a wrongful death claim on September 21, arguing authorities knew of Magaña’s lifelong mental health struggles. They reported that he had expressed suicidal thoughts during booking. The claim asserts that a day after arriving at the jail, Magaña faced a medical emergency requiring hospitalization at Los Angeles General Medical Center.

The family claims he did not receive appropriate mental health housing or adequate care upon returning to jail.

The Twin Towers typically houses mentally ill inmates. However, Magaña’s family contends he was not transferred to a unit equipped for severe cases.

On August 25, officers found Magaña unresponsive again in his cell after a “catastrophic emergency.” Attempts to revive him failed and he died in the hospital on September 5.

The Sheriff’s Department has yet to provide clear answers. The department’s website lists a similar case, noting the cause of death as pending an autopsy.

In response to an inquiry, the department emphasized the complexity of assessing in-custody deaths, emphasizing medical history, conditions, and overall circumstances.

Magaña’s sister, Alejandra, described him as a charming and affable individual interested in cars from a young age. He was diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders as a teen. Though managed for years with medication, his recent signs of psychosis resurfaced as the family prepared for their mother’s birthday celebration.

According to Alejandra, during the episode, they contacted psychiatric emergency services, who suggested he was eligible for evaluation. Following his departure, they called 911, and police later arrested Magaña. While held in Van Nuys jail, he was transferred to Twin Towers.

Magaña failed to appear in court on August 24, prompting family calls to the jail. They later learned of his hospitalization, encountering confusing reports about his injuries, cited as possibly from a fall or asphyxiation.

Alejandra believes greater attention from jail staff could have saved her brother. She expressed the frustration of not knowing the details of his death.

Daniel Magaña is survived by three sons and two daughters, aged 11-22. His children shared the profound impact of his absence. His eldest son, Noah, 18, spoke of honoring his father’s memory, despite the pain it caused.

Magaña’s son Alejandro, 13, noted the emotional link to his father’s cherished car, a red-and-black Monte Carlo.

Efforts by L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna to address in-custody deaths continue amid an aging and unwell inmate population. Luna asked for a National Institute of Corrections review after 10 inmate deaths in less than three months. A legal challenge by California’s Attorney General over jail conditions remains ongoing.

The Sheriff’s Department reported 46 in-custody deaths in 2025, up from 32 in 2024. Most inmates disclosed health issues upon booking. Luna highlights steps like deploying body-worn cameras to improve jail conditions.