A Tragic Loss That Demanded Accountability

In March 2022, the family of Hayden Schuck experienced a heartbreak that no family should have to endure. Arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession, 22-year-old Hayden was taken into custody at San Diego’s Central Jail. Six days later, he tragically lost his life from profound dehydration and untreated withdrawal while confined in a cell within an area of the jail known as the “Back 40.”

On October 23, 2025, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $16 million settlement to resolve the wrongful death lawsuit filed by McKenzie Scott PC on behalf of Hayden’s parents. This settlement is the largest known wrongful death settlement in San Diego County history and is believed to be one of the largest single-plaintiff jail death settlements in the nation.

The settlement represents more than just financial compensation – it shows that Hayden’s death was entirely preventable and that the systems meant to protect vulnerable people in custody failed catastrophically.

The Disturbing Facts of Hayden’s Final Days

Hayden Schuck was a college-bound young man who, despite his struggles with substance abuse, was dearly loved by his parents, Tim and Sabrina Schuck. During his six days in the “Back 40” – a temporary housing unit that lacked basic amenities and adequate staff oversight –Hayden exhibited clear signs of medical distress that were ignored by jail employees.

The evidence revealed in the case painted a devastating picture:

  • Visible Suffering: Hayden was observed falling repeatedly, mumbling incoherently, and was found covered in his own feces.
  • Documented Warning Signs: Staff recorded that Hayden had elevated vital signs, altered mental status, and fresh pressure ulcers (bedsores) on his body.
  • Complete Failure to Act: Despite these documented warning signs, jail medical and correctional staff failed to enter his cell or provide medical care.
  • Preventable Death: The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was profound dehydration and untreated withdrawal, which led to heart failure.

The Missing Footage – Intentional Misconduct

An alarming aspect of this case was the intentional deletion of surveillance footage that could have shed light on Hayden’s treatment during his final days. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office deleted 55 hours of critical video footage from outside Hayden’s cell – more than two full days of surveillance – despite repeated requests from the family’s legal team to preserve that evidence.

A federal magistrate judge reviewed the circumstances and made a powerful finding: the deletion was intentional misconduct. As a result, the trial court imposed sanctions, including an “adverse inference” instruction that would have allowed the jury to presume the deleted footage contained information damaging to the Defendant San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

This judicial finding of intentional evidence destruction became a turning point in the case and significantly undermined the County’s defense. Courts rarely allow adverse inferences, but the conduct here was so egregious that it warranted this powerful ruling.

A Family’s Unwavering Fight for Justice

Hayden’s parents, Tim and Sabrina Schuck, remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice for their son. Through their grief, they took legal action not only for accountability but for truth. They rightfully demanded to know what happened to Hayden in the days before his death and why no one intervened when he was clearly suffering.

Their courage in confronting a powerful institution and demanding answers has resulted in this historic settlement. But their fight was never just about money – it was about ensuring that what happened to Hayden would not be forgotten or repeated.

The Schuck family’s strength in going public and pushing for transparency reflects their desire to prevent other families from facing similar pain. Their pursuit of justice has shone a light on systemic failures in custodial care and has demanded better from the institutions responsible for protecting vulnerable people.

The County Was on Notice

The tragedy of Hayden’s death did not occur in a vacuum. In 2022, just months after Hayden died, the California State Auditor issued a scathing report on the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and its jail operations.

The Auditor’s report found that from 2006 through 2020, 185 people died in County jails, giving San Diego one of the highest in-custody death rates among counties in the nation. The report concluded that the Sheriff’s Office “failed to adequately prevent and respond to the deaths of individuals in its custody” and cited systemic issues with departmental policies and practices.

The County had clear warning that its systems were failing. The $16 million settlement is a reflection of years of systemic neglect that cost Hayden his life.

A New Benchmark for Accountability

The $16 million settlement represents a significant increase from the County’s previous pre-trial offers and sets a new financial benchmark for government accountability in San Diego. It sends an unmistakable message: the lives of people in custody have value, and institutions will be held accountable when they fail in their duty of care.

This settlement joins other significant victories achieved by McKenzie Scott PC, including the $85 million jury verdict in K.J.P. v. San Diego, the largest excessive force verdict in American history.

What This Settlement Means for the Future

While no amount of money can bring Hayden back or ease the pain his family endures, this settlement represents a measure of accountability that the Schuck family fought tirelessly to achieve.

The hope is that this case will drive meaningful reform:

  • Stricter protocols for preserving surveillance footage in custody deaths;
  • Better medical screening and monitoring in jail facilities;
  • Improved staff training on recognizing and responding to medical emergencies;
  • Greater transparency when in-custody deaths occur;
  • Enhanced oversight of facilities like the “Back 40” that lack adequate supervision.

The Schuck family has transformed their grief into a force for change. Their persistence has already resulted in legal sanctions and a historic settlement that sends a powerful message to institutions across the state.

Standing with Families Who Demand Answers

Hayden’s case demonstrates the critical importance of experienced legal advocacy when families are left searching for answers after an in-custody death. The Schuck family’s journey from tragedy to this historic settlement was possible because they had fierce advocates willing to take on powerful institutions and demand accountability.

If you or your family have experienced a similar tragedy and need help navigating the complex legal process ahead, the civil rights attorneys at McKenzie Scott PC can guide you with experience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice.

At McKenzie Scott PC, we understand that behind every case is a family in pain, seeking truth and accountability. If you’re facing a similar experience and need help navigating the road ahead, a trusted San Diego civil rights lawyer from our team can guide you through the legal process with care and clarity. We’re here to listen, support, and stand by your side every step of the way. Our track record – including this $16 million settlement and the $85 million K.J.P. verdict – demonstrates our commitment to holding institutions accountable and fighting for families who deserve answers.

Contact McKenzie Scott PC’s jail death lawyers in San Diego today at (619) 794-0451 for a free & confidential consultation.