The lawsuit also states Yates' alleged killer, Alvin Ruis, was known to be violent and sheriff's department policies dictated he should not have been housed with anyone else. Ruis has since been charged with Yates' murder and awaits trial.

Two state prison inmates, including one sentenced for a San Diego County burglary and assault, are suspected of killing a fellow inmate at a Sacramento prison, state prison officials said Monday.

Brandon Yates' family says deputies ignored his pleas for help while he was tortured to death by his cellmate last year.

The man who killed Brandon Yates was known to be violent, and was already classified as “keep separate” — not to be placed in a cell with another person.

Brandon Yates, who suffered from mental health and substance abuse issues, was dead within a day of being arrested for sleeping in the backyard of a residence.