Elisa Serna, 24, died after having a seizure and hitting her head on her cell wall. In her medical chart, Dr. Friederike Von Lintig had accused her of faking her illness.
Family lawyer was stunned by finding in 2019 death of Elisa Serna; Sheriff’s Department declines to comment
Serna was one of 16 people who died in San Diego jail custody in 2019. Eighteen people have died so far this year, tying 2021’s record 18 deaths; a 19th was granted a compassionate release from custody hours before he died earlier this year in the hospital. The District Attorney’s Office decided to file charges against Von Lintig after the state medical board had an expert review the case, said Deputy District Attorney John Dunlap. He said he could not elaborate on those findings.The medical board’s website shows that Von Lintig is still licensed to practice medicine in California and has no history of discipline.
“The Sheriff’s Department is committed to providing compassionate medical services for the safety, health and well-being of everyone entrusted in our care,” the statement said. “We have and will continue to follow strict protocols for investigating and responding to allegations of misconduct.”