Lawsuit Claims Security Lapse in Doctor’s Death
The family of a slain psychiatric hospital physician has sued Alameda County and ABC Security Service, alleging they failed to provide adequate security at the San Leandro facility.
The lawsuit by the family of Dr. Erlinda Ursua, 60, was filed earlier this week in Alameda County Superior Court.
Ursua died Nov. 19 at John George Psychiatric Pavilion after allegedly being assaulted by a patient, Rene Pavon, 37, in an examining room in a restricted area of the facility.
The suit says the doctor, who was strangled and beaten by the patient, was discovered by a custodian who had gone into the room to empty the trash.
The suit alleges that the patient had been wandering unsupervised for at least an hour and half without anyone questioning her.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
