Valley Jail Section In-Custody Death (ICD) NRF008-25dm

March 12, 2025 

Valley Jail Section In-Custody Death (ICD)

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an In-Custody Death (ICD) at Valley Jail Section (VJS).

On March 9, 2025, at around 1:15 a.m., Mission Area uniformed patrol officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation. During their investigation, the officers determined that the driver of the vehicle, 55-year-old Steven Miller, had a felony warrant and was in possession of illegal narcotics. Miller was arrested and booked at VJS later that morning, where he remained housed for the next two days. While at VJS, Miller disclosed to medical staff that he was a heroin user and was experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

On March 11, 2025, at around 5:00 a.m., Miller collapsed inside his cell and struck his head on a toilet and the cement floor. Miller stood up moments later, then fell forward and struck his head again on the cement floor. Another arrestee summoned jail personnel to Miller’s cell, who then immediately escorted Miller to the jail’s medical dispensary. While being treated by medical staff, Miller experienced trouble breathing and lost consciousness.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and took over Miller’s care. He did not respond and was pronounced deceased.

Representatives from the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner responded to the scene and removed Miller’s remains to their Forensic Science Center, where an autopsy is pending.

Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.