San Diego Nurse Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter For Inmate’s Death

A nurse at the Las Colinas Detention Center in San Diego is facing charges for reportedly walking away from an inmate who collapsed in front of her before dying in 2019.

Danalee Pascua, 36, was charged with involuntary manslaughter Thursday, nearly two years after 24-year-old Elisa Serna died. 

On November 10, 2019, Serna complained of dizziness and nauseousness. She was brought to the medical unit for observation. The following day, Pascua was called to Serna’s cell to take her vitals.

Serna passed out in front of Pascua, who did not take her vital signs. Instead, she left her on the floor of the cell for about an hour before returning. She returned with deputies and began administering “futile lifesaving measures.”

After a scheduled day off, Pascua returned to work on November 14. At that time, she was placed on paid administrative assignment. She has not had any patient contact since then. 

The San Diego County Sheriff’s office notified prosecutors about the case following an internal investigation. Pascua’s arraignment is scheduled for November 18. If convicted, she could face up to four years in prison. According to the district attorney’s office, the investigation is still ongoing, and others could be involved.