Afederal jury in San Diego deliberated for just four hours before convicting former Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Yates of deprivation of civil rights under color of law for the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Mario Cardenas inside a county jail cell.
The shooting occurred on October 12, 2020, after Cardenas, who was awaiting trial on a misdemeanor drug charge, was placed in a holding cell. Body-worn camera footage shown at trial depicted Cardenas unarmed and standing with his hands visible when Yates fired three shots through the cell door's food slot, striking Cardenas twice. He died at the scene.
Yates, 48, testified that he believed Cardenas had retrieved a weapon from another inmate, but prosecutors noted no weapon was ever found. The defense argued that Yates perceived a threat based on prior intelligence, but the jury rejected the justification.
Rare conviction in custodial death case
Legal experts noted the rarity of such convictions. According to data from the Marshall Project, only 11 law enforcement officers have been convicted of civil rights violations related to fatal shootings while on duty since 2015. Yates faces up to life in prison at sentencing scheduled for June 15.
The Cardenas family issued a statement through their attorney: 'Today, justice was served, but no verdict can bring back Mario. We hope this sends a message that no one is above the law.'
Today, justice was served, but no verdict can bring back Mario. We hope this sends a message that no one is above the law.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department fired Yates in 2021 following an internal investigation. The department released a statement saying it has since implemented additional use-of-force training and body camera retention policies.
