Family Seeks Justice for Willie Toa Jr. After Jail Death
*The family of 30-year-old Willie Toa Jr. is demanding answers after he died while in police custody at the San Bernardino County Central Detention Center. Toa was arrested on June 20, 2025, and died just two days later on June 22. His family believes he was severely beaten and is calling for an independent investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Najee Ali, Director of Project Islamic Hope, is advocating on behalf of the family. He stated that the San Bernardino Police Department has refused to address the family’s concerns or even meet with them. “They want justice, and they deserve to be heard,” Ali said.
Inmate Tip Sparks Urgent Alarm for Family
According to the family, an unidentified inmate called them in distress, urging them to get to the jail immediately after witnessing Toa return to his cell visibly battered. The inmate described bruises all over Toa’s body, consistent with a beating, not a medical episode.
“The bruises couldn’t have come from anything but a beating,” said one family member. The tip added urgency to what was already a traumatic and confusing situation for the Toa family.
Autopsy Conducted — But No Cause of Death Listed
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has conducted an autopsy, but the official death certificate did not list a cause of death. That lack of transparency has only intensified suspicions among Toa’s family and supporters.
Scroll to continue reading
Toa was found unresponsive in his jail cell around 4:54 a.m. on June 22. Deputies and jail medical staff attempted lifesaving measures, including administering Narcan. Despite their efforts, Toa was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Willie Toa Jr.’s Arrest and Final Days
Toa had been arrested by the Redlands Police Department and booked into the San Bernardino County Central Detention Center the day before his death. Jail records show no indication of prior medical conditions that might have contributed to a sudden death.
The Sheriff’s Department has launched an internal investigation via its Specialized Investigations Division. However, the family is skeptical that the department can investigate itself objectively. They are urging the state attorney general to step in and conduct an independent review.
Willie Toa Jr.: A Life Cut Short
Willie Toa Jr. worked as a forklift driver at Trader Joe’s and was described by loved ones as a kind and hardworking man. At just 30 years old, his sudden death has left his family devastated.
“Willie was our heart. To see his life end like this — it’s unbearable,” one relative said. The family emphasized that Toa had plans for the future and was not someone who should have died under mysterious circumstances behind bars.
Public Press Conference Scheduled for July 12
To continue raising awareness, the family and community activists have planned a press conference to demand justice and push for accountability. They are calling on the public and media to attend and help amplify their call for an independent investigation.
- Date: Today, July 12, 2025
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: San Bernardino City Hall, 290 N D St, San Bernardino, CA 92401
Why This Case Matters
Toa’s death raises serious questions about how inmates are treated while in custody, particularly Black and Pacific Islander men. Community advocates are warning that this could be yet another case of excessive force or medical neglect behind bars.
The case highlights broader issues of transparency, accountability, and the need for outside agencies to investigate jail deaths. The family hopes that public pressure and media attention will lead to real answers and justice for Willie Toa Jr.
As of now, the cause of death remains a mystery — but the Toa family says they won’t stop fighting until they get the truth.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Nina Parker Opens Up About Leaving TMZ Over Gender Pay Disparity | WATCH
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
