(L.A.) James Evans, 29, Died at Men’s Central Jail

Case Number: 2023-13256

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 29-year-old Black male that occurred while he was in the custody of the L.A. Sheriff’s Department.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as James Evans.

Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Banks.

Height: 5 feet 10 inches. Weight: 160 pounds

Manner of Death: Accident [sic]

Cause of Death: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

RIP JAMES RUBEN LEE EVANS (February 26, 1994 – October 1, 2023)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Sunday at 11:09 a.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on November 8. The publicly availably information seems incomplete. If the only COD were epilepsy, the manner of death would have been natural, not an accident. We’ll have to follow up on this during office hours. Either the manner needs to be changed to natural or a Cause B / Other Significant Condition needs to be added to clarify whether this was an accidental drug overdose or something else.

The decedent was found expired inside his cell at Men’s Central Jail, 441 Bauchet Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, in downtown Los Angeles.

He was arrested by LASD’s Compton Station Patrol on August 21 and booked on August 24.

Case Number: COMTA160831-01
Defendant Name: EVANS, JAMES
Violation Date: August 21, 2023
Filing Date: August 30, 2023
Charge: 29900(A)(1)

The violation pertains to unlawful ownership or possession of firearm.

His next hearing was to be on October 11 at Compton Courthouse for competency to stand trial.