Murillo v. West County Detention Facility

Background

Eric Murillo, a detainee at Martinez Detention Facility, filed a civil-rights complaint under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 while representing himself. The court had allowed him to proceed without paying the filing fee and screened the complaint under 28 U.S.C. § 1915A.

Murillo alleged that deputies repeatedly flashed lights in his eyes; the showers lacked hot water; his cell and the cells of other Hispanic and African American inmates were targeted for searches; and deputies ordered him and four other Hispanic inmates outside in the rain while other inmates were not ordered outside. He also alleged that deputies refused him an extra blanket despite a medical slip, he received moldy bread once, missed breakfast and lunch on one day, and was disciplined by losing tablet privileges. He further alleged that prison officials ignored or inadequately handled his grievances, and that a sergeant yelled at him for filing many grievances.

Screening analysis

The court explained that a complaint must provide a short and plain statement that gives defendants fair notice of the claims. A claim under § 1983 requires allegations that a federal right was violated by a person acting under state law.

The court concluded that Murillo presented multiple unrelated claims against eleven defendants. It therefore required him to amend the complaint so that it includes only claims involving a single event or a single set of related events. The court stated that unrelated claims may be brought in separate actions.

The court separately explained that there is no constitutional right to a prison grievance or administrative-appeal system. Thus, the processing of, and responses to, Murillo’s grievances did not themselves state a claim, although the underlying events might state federal claims. The court instructed Murillo to explain how specific defendants violated his rights in connection with related claims.

Disposition

The court dismissed the complaint with leave to file an amended complaint on or before January 12, 2026. The amended complaint must use the caption and civil case number specified in the order, say “FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT” on its first page, use the court’s form, include every claim and defendant Murillo wishes to pursue, and not incorporate the earlier complaint by reference.

The court warned that failing to file a proper amended complaint or otherwise comply with the order could result in dismissal of the action under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b) for failure to prosecute. The order was signed by United States District Judge Rita F. Lin and dated November 28, 2025.