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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES - 04141992 - 2.3 a.3 TO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM; PERFECTO VILLARREAL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 'Contra HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA /-N— Ia DATE: APRIL 14, 1992 County SUBJECT: REPORT ON DEATH OF FORMER HOMELESS SHELTER RESIDENT Illy SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S ) 8c BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDED ACTION: ACCEPT the attached report. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: __ YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _ _ RECOMMENDATIO OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON _April 14, 1992 _ APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER Bruce Overlander, Susan Prather, and Art Schroder spoke on the homeless problems. At the conclusion of the comments, the Board ACCepted the attached report. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT I, III AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: _ NOES: _ AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. CC: Housing Authority ATTESTED April 14, 1992 County Administrator — — PHIL BATCHELOR. CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR M382%7-83 BY f DEPUTY HOUSING AUTHORITY of the COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA April 14, 1992 REPORT: In January, 1992, a former resident of the County shelters, died in a vacant house in the City of Concord. The Housing Authority has been asked to report on the circumstances surrounding the person's death. FACTS: Based on the coroner's report, a copy of which is attached hereto, and the Housing Authority's investigation the following was determined: A 40 year old, 470 lb. man, was discovered dead inside a vacant house in Concord on January 28, 1992. He was found underneath a furniture blanket in a room filled with empty alcohol bottles. His blood alcohol level was .24%, which is three times greater than the legal limit. He .had spent the night drinking and sleeping in the company of a female friend who reported his death. The cause of his death was hypertrophic cardio-myopathy (disease of an enlarged heart) , together with chronic alcoholism and obesity. The deceased person had resided at Contra Costa County homeless shelters from time to time since the winter of 1991. He resided last at the Richmond shelter from September 4-9, 1991 and again from September 20-30, 1991. On September 4, 1991 he had signed a written statement acknowledging that he had read and understood the rules for shelter residence, including the development of, and his participation in, a case plan for his rehabilitation. He also signed a Money Management Contract at the Richmond Shelter on September 4, 1991 . Report (cont'd) Page 2 April 14, 1992 He failed to appear at the shelter on September 10, 1991 and remained absent until September 20, 1991. When he returned on September 20, a two element case management plan was established. He was to stay at the shelter and miss no nights subject to being disqualified indefinitely, and he was to enter the Diablo Valley Ranch for alcoholism treatment. On several occasions prior to October 1, 1991, he met with the Shelter Director and the Assistant Director, to discuss the need that he develop and follow a case plan that would address his alcoholism. He advised the Director and Assistant Director that he intended not to participate in any drug or alcohol programs. After September 30, 1991, he failed to return to the Richmond Shelter. Two notices of action appear in his records, both dated October 1, 1991. Both show disenrollment from the shelter program because of alcohol consumption, both show disqualification for an indefinite period "per (earlier) arrangement," and one shows "repeated alcohol use" as the basis for disqualification. The client never returned to the Richmond Shelter and the notices of action were not delivered to him. His name was placed on an indefinite disqualification list, but the shelter system did not hear from him again until January 22, 1992. On January 22, staff from a rehabilitation program called the homeless referral number to arrange for the client's placement in a County shelter. The client was present during that call . Report (cont'd) Page 3 April 14, 1992 The caller was advised that the client was on the disqualified list and could not be assisted. During the call the client was personally advised that he could apply for reinstatement by an appeal to staff at the Contra Costa County Housing Authority. He did not apply for reinstatement. The Housing Authority and the shelter program had no further contact with the client. CONCLUSIONS: 1. There is no evidence that the client's death was caused by anything other than the combined effects of an enlarged heart, excessive alcohol level and obesity. 2. The client was properly disqualified from the shelter program on October 1, 1991, insofar as he had continued drinking and he had failed and refused to agree to the case plan elements that: (a) he miss no further nights from the shelter; and (b) he participate in a substance abuse program. 3. Money management, as such, played no role in the client's disqualification. He had agreed to money management. 4. The period of disqualification on a first notice of action based on continued drinking is fifteen days; and the maximum period of disqualification on that ground is sixty days. The appearance of the client's name on the disqualified list on January 22, 1992, was a result of an oversight by the shelter contractor. Report (cont'd) Page 4 April 14, 1992 5. It is very likely that the client would have obtained shelter benefits if he had applied to the Housing Authority for reinstate- ment, as he was advised, on January 22, 1992. 6. There is no evidence that the client 's shelter benefit denial on January 22, 1992 caused his death on January 28, 1992. CORONER'S FINDINGS MAI� 1902 =UUNf� .0UNSEI IN THE MATTER OF THE CORONER'S FINDINGS ON THE96B JAMES VICTOR ABATANGELO CR 92-120 Deceased. I, Richard K. Rainey, Sheriff-Coroner of Contra Costa County, certify: That on this date at Contra Costa County, State of California an investigation was made into the death of the above named person; that inquiry was made into the circumstances attending said death, and in what manner, where and when said death occurred; and that findings of said investigation are: Name of Deceased JAMES VICTOR ABATANGELO Sex MALE Age 40 Race WHITE Date of Death FOUND JANUARY 28, 1992 Time of Death 1640 HOURS Place of Death VACANT HOUSE:_ 2.510 SALVIO STREET, CONCORD, CA Cause of Death HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY Classification NATURAL CAUSE Medical Examination by CHARLES P. KOKES, M.D. , FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST DATED MARCH 3, 1992 Richard K. Rainey, Sheriff-Coroner Contra Costa County By z4z Deputy CLASSIFICATION: APPARENT NATURAL CASE#: CR 92-120 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY OFFICE OF SHERIFF-CORONER CORONER'S REPORT DECEDENT: ABATANGELO JAMES VICTOR LAST FIRST MIDDLE DATE REPORTED: 1-28-92 TIME REPORTED: 1700 DATE OF DEATH: 1-28-92 FD TIME OF DEATH: 1640 REPORT BY INVESTIGATING DEPUTY CORONER: DAVE DYER AKA: OTHER I .D. : DOB: 12-18-51 AGE: 40 (UNDER 1 YR: MOS: DAYS) SEX: M RACE: W Est. WT: 470 Est. HT: 5-10 HAIR: BRN EYES: RRN SS# : 053-44-9209 USUAL ADDRESS: TEL# : CITY & STATE: CITY LIMITS: I.D. BY: OFFICER WILLARD DAWSON DATE & TIME: Tn ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, TEL# : BART POLICE OTHER INVESTIGATING AGENCY: BART POLICE/CPD AGENCY FILE # : 92-3444/92-2406 ASSIGNED OFFICER: DAWSON/UNK, NEXT OF KIN NAME RELATIONSHIP 1. KENNEDY,CAMILLE MOTHER Legal NOK ADDRESS, CITY & STATE• 9129 SWISS RD. SPRINGHILL,FL. RESIDENCE & BUSINESS TELEPHONE: (H) :1-904-686-9742 (W) ; 2 . ABATANGELO,JOHN BROTHER Authorized Alternate ADDRESS, CITY & STATE: 56 WILLOW AVE. WALLINGTON,NJ RESIDENCE & BUSINESS TELEPHONE: (H) :201-472-9217 (W) LEGAL NOK NOTIFIED BY: ABATANGELO,JOHN AGENCY: DATE & TIME NOTIFIED• 01-29-92 APPROX. 1130 HRS HOW: PHONE -1- DECEDENT: ABATANGLID, JAMIsS CASE#: CR 92-120 PLACE OF DEATH LOCATION: VACANT HOUSE CORONER' S SEAL: NO ADDRESS: 2510 SALVIO STREET CITY LIMITS: YES CITY & STATE: CONCORD CA. PRONOUNCED BY: CONSOLIDATED FIRE PERSONNEL PERSON REPORTING DEATH: CPD TEL# : PERSON WHO DISCOVERED DECEASED: FIRE PERSONNEL TEL# : ADDRESS, CITY & STATE: BODY REMOVED TO: CENTRAL MORGUE ORDERED BY: DYER MEDICAL HISTORY REGULAR PHYSICIAN: MERRITHEW HOSPITAL ER TEL# : ADDRESS: CITY & STATE: MARTINEZ, CA. DATE LAST SEEN: 1-17-92 MEDICAL HX: BRONCHITUS, AL ABUSE INJURY INFORMATION DATE OF INJURY: TIME OF INJURY: LOCATION: (i.e. ROOM, ROADWAY, etc. ) ADDRESS INJURY OCCURRED: CITY LIMITS: MAP LOC: AT WORK: STATUS/MV: HOW INJURY OCCURRED: IF APPLICABLE-STATE TYPE GUN and/or WEAPON: VEHICLE (MAKE-MODEL-YEAR-LIC#) : REGISTERED TO: ADDRESS, CITY & STATE: TOWED TO: ORDERED BY: —2— DECEDENT: ABATANGELO, JAMES CASE# : CR 92-120 WITNESSES: (NAME-ADDRESS-TELEPHONE) 1 . 2. 3 . 4 . SUPPLEMENTAL NOR INFORMATION INVESTIGATION REPORT 1-28-92 THIS CASE CONCERNS THE DEATH OF JAMES ABATANGELO, 40, WHO WAS DISCOVERED DEAD IN A VACANT HOUSE. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM WILLARD DAWSON OF THE BART POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTING THE DEATH. HE TOLD ME THAT MR. ABATANGELO WAS DISCOVERED IN A VACANT HOUSE THAT HAD RECENTLY BEEN PURCHASED BY BART POLICE FOR DEMOLISHION. APPARENTLY THIS HOUSE HAS RECENTLY BEEN USED BY THE HOMELESS FOR SLEEPING. THE ORIGINAL CALL WAS TO CPD WHO TURNED IT OVER TO BART POLICE. I WENT TO THE LOCATION AND OBSERVED THE VICTIM IN A BACK ROOM UNDERNEATH A FURNITURE BLANKET. THE ROOM WAS FILLED WITH EMPTY ALCOHOL BOTTLES. IT APPEARED TO BE WELL USED BY THE HOMELESS. THE VICTIM IS A LARGE OBESE MALE. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO SIGN OF ANY FOUL PLAY. OFFICER WILLARD OF BART POLICE MADE THE ID. HE HAS HAD OTHER DEALINGS WITH THE VICTIM AND RECOGNIZED HIM. APPARENTLY MR. ABATANGELO AND A FEMALE FRIEND USED THE HOUSE THE NIGHT BEFORE TO DRINK AND FOR A PLACE TO SLEEP. ON TUESDAY MORNING THE FRIEND 14OKE UP AND TRIED TO WAKE THE VICTIM. SHE COULD NOT AND THOUGHT THAT HE WAS JUST STILL SLEEPING. LATER SHE TRIED AGAIN AND FOUND HIM TO BE COLD. SHE THEN CALLED THE POLICE AND CONCORD RESPONDED AND MADE THE DISCOVERY. I MADE THE REMOVAL AND TRANSPORTED THE VICTIM TO THE CENTRAL MORGUE. I MADE CONTACT WITH THE COUNTY HOSPITAL AND FOUND THAT HE HAS BEEN SEEN THERE RECENTLY FOR HIS BRONCHITUS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE. RECORDS SHOW THAT HE STATES HE HAS NO FAMILY. THERE APPARENTLY IS NO SERIOUS HEART HISTORY AT THIS TIME. DAVE DYES 0 DEPUTY CORONER -3- DECEDENT:..: ABATANGELO,JAMES CASEI : CR 92-120 CONTINUATION OF INVESTIGATION REPORT DATE: 01-29-92 JAMES WAS HOMELESS AND ALSO SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN AND OUT OF OUR LOCAL DTOX CENTERS. I CALLED THE RICHMOND,CONCORD,AND THE PITTSBURG FACILITY TO GET INFORMATION ON THE NOK OR EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS. NONE OF THE DETOX CENTERS HAD ANY INFORMATION FOR NOK,BUT THEY ALL KNEW HIM. I CALLED THE DIABLO VALLEY RANCH (672-5700)DRUG AND ALCOHOL FACILITY. THE RANCH DID NOT HAVE ANY NOK INFORMATION EITHER BUT HAD THE NAME OF HIS PAYEE(MARK MYERS PO BOX 601 CONCORD 228-1914) . I CALLED MARK BUT THE NUMBER WAS NO LONGER VALID. I CALLED NUMEROUS OTHER PHONE NUMBERS THAT I FOUND IN JAMES PROPERTY. I DID NOT GET ANY RESULTS UNTIL I CALLED RAY FULTON(201-939-0048) . RAY WAS A FRIEND OF JAMES AND TOLD ME THAT HIS FAMILY LIVED IN N.J. AND FLORIDA. RAY SAID THAT JOHN ABATANGELO WAS JAMES BROTHER AND HE LIVED NEAR HIM,IN N.J. RAY SAID THAT HE WOULD CALL JOHN AND HAVE HIM CALL THE CORONERS OFFICE. APPROX. 30 MIN. LATER JOHN CALLED ME AND I ADVISED HIM OF JAMFS.DEATH. JOHN CALLED THEIR MOTHER(NOK)AND MADE THE NOTIFICATION. THE FAMILY WILL DECIDE ON THE FUNERAL ARRANGMENTS AND CALL THE CORONER'S OFFICE ON WED. (01-30-92) DEP. FI72HUGH 3-3-92 THE CAUSE OF DEATH ON THE DEATH CERTIFICATE WAS AMENDED TO REFLECT THE FINDINGS OF THE PATHOLOGIST. (SEE AUTOPSY REPORT.) CAROLYN HANNON -4- 't. ]t� I �i�• ' 4.. .+. I } O N!71 Jia A 7:`'1=.i P10 1 C] 3 a �(13'.It-ii_1:a i1,C .r'1}::L'•I.?. jr-, r .�i`i��_- ,-1iii ..!r..—.. . ..1 L TS E C N 5..+R A t I1.:._.d.:,...D BY ti..+.\E t :C.E I PT Ck1 I DENCE ++ r �l� ZswtiE I�- +r IV ;1,;E PT DomE,_. .,.:)....:VERIi:I' L'1' vir^-[ ri DA-7F =+1319; CC"3L'IT_ON IPLYS-i s i t+_Y LF_-r, BY COHEN tai i,�v�a � , r HI E" �I2'04 9 NUMBER AGENCY ^ � �+• y i CASE-- �..lf r`l/�i� • �L.']�IlL.IJ , t=;? ' F Con AEATANGELO,� James -4- CR 92-120 SPECIMENS TO TOXICOLOGY: Peripheral blood, urine SPECIMENS RETAINED: Tissued CAUSE OF DEATH: Pending PRESENT: Glenn Wald, Pathologist' s Assistant ) i CPK:sms Charles P. fKokes, M.D. TR/2-11-92 Forensic Pathologist MICROSCOPIC TISSUE STUDIES LUNGS: Autolysis, congestion HEART: Autolysis, myocardial fiber hypertrophy, multiple small foci of myocardial fibrosis LIVER: Severe fatty change, autolysis KIDNEY, BRAIN, PANCREAS, SPLEEN: Autolysis CAUSE OF DEATH: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy OTHER SIGNIFICANT CAUSES: Chronic alcoholism, obesity CPK:sms IC2iarle;s—p.--Ko es, M.D. TR/3-3-92 Forensic Pathologist