Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The County of Marin has reached settlements resolving two lawsuits arising from separate deaths of individuals who were in custody at the Marin County Jail.
The County will pay $500,000 to resolve claims arising from the October 2023 death of Dylan Baylacq, who died by suicide, and $750,000 to resolve claims arising from the May 2024 death of Derrek Leeds, who died from an internal medical condition. The County extends its condolences to their families and loved ones.
The County disputes the allegations of wrongdoing made in these lawsuits and stands by its employees. The settlements are not admissions of wrongdoing or liability. Instead, they reflect the County’s determination that resolving the cases was appropriate to avoid the substantial costs, risks, and uncertainty of continued litigation.
The County takes seriously its responsibility for the care and custody of people housed at the Marin County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office and its County partners continually evaluate jail operations, facilities, training, health and behavioral health services, and other practices to support the safety and well-being of people in custody and County employees.
That work includes ongoing investments in the jail’s physical facilities, as well as continued review of policies and practices informed by experience, professional standards, and evolving best practices. The County remains committed to providing appropriate care, maintaining a safe and professionally operated jail, and treating people in custody with dignity and respect.
“Every death involving a person in our custody is a serious and difficult event for the individual’s family, our staff, and the community,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “A correctional setting cannot eliminate the risk of sudden medical events that can occur in any population. We remain committed to providing appropriate care and protecting the safety and well-being of the people in our custody.”