SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Jazmin Pellegrini, 15, was discharged from a psychiatric hospital in Martinez and ran away from her family’s Bay Point home. Her loved ones frantically searched for her and alerted sheriff's deputies. Just three days later, on April 20, 2024, Jazmin's lifeless body was found face-down on a driveway in San Francisco.
On Friday, attorneys announced filing a wrongful death lawsuit against three Contra Costa County agencies who allegedly violated their mandated duties. The suit was filed on behalf of Jazmin's mother, Marta Barany, by law firm Panish Shea Ravipudi.
The lawsuit names Contra Costa County Children & Family Services, Contra Costa Health Services, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office as defendants.
Jazmin Pellegrini (Photo courtesy Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP)Between April 10-17 of 2024, the three agencies "violated their legal duties, resulting in the tragic death of Jazmin Pellegrini. If any of these agencies had simply done their jobs, Jazmin would not have died half-naked on the street at age 15," the lawsuit states.
"The Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, CFS, and the Sheriff all failed my daughter, and it feels like a knife to the heart," said Barany. "No one should have to experience what our family has been through in seeking help. Jazmin's life mattered."
Between the ages 12 and 15, Jazmin endured frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, dozens of suicide attempts, and began falling victim to sexual exploitation and drug abuse, the lawsuit states. Her mental health deteriorated throughout 2023 and 2024, attorneys said.
While her daughter was hospitalized, Barany reported to hospital staff that she could not keep her daughter safe if she returned home. Barany relinquished physical custody to CFS so that Jazmin could receive critical care in a safe environment.
Jazmin Pellegrini (Image via GoFundMe)"However, rather than placing in a residential mental health facility, and against medical advice, CFS placed Jazmin in an ordinary group home. That same day, April 10, 2024, Jazmin ran away from the unsecured group home," the suit states.
Jazmin was found on the streets by a man who proceeded to drug her and rape her at gun point, according to the lawsuit. On April 16, 2024, CCRMC evaluated Jazmin and found her to be gravely disabled, attorneys claim.
"Despite Jazmin’s grave condition, the family reporting that they would be unable to keep Jazmin safe in the family home ... on April 17, 2024, Jazmin was unlawfully discharged by CCRMC," the suit states.
The night, the girl was picked up by family members from CCRMC and brought back to the family’s home in a delirious state. Jazmin refused to enter her home and ran away. After family members called 911, sheriff's deputies found Jazmin on the street. They let her walk away, attorneys claim.
Jazmin disappeared for three days until her body was found in San Francisco.
Jazmin Pellegrini (Image via GoFundMe)A coroner determined that the girl's death was caused by a lethal combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
During Jazmin’s time in county psychiatric hospitals, she became dependent on medications, according to her family. Barany wrote, "Jazmin was not a drug addict. Negligent medical establishments heavily medicated her."
Attorney Wyatt Vespermann said, "County-run child protective service agencies exist for the sole purpose of protecting the most vulnerable. Under California law, this critical role includes ensuring children with severe mental health needs receive timely coordinated services. Contra Costa County failed Jazmin time and time again."
The lawsuit demands a jury trial.
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