Board members press for transparency on jail deaths and review of senior meal eligibility
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Summary
At the Feb. 24 DuPage County Board meeting members raised concerns about recent deaths in county jail custody and a sharp drop in senior meal program attendance after eligibility changes; requests were made for updated data and outside review where legally appropriate.
Two separate policy concerns drew board discussion on Feb. 24: recent deaths in county jail custody and a decline in participation in the county senior meal program after changes to eligibility requirements.
Member (23) (legislative committee) said recent jail deaths — including named cases in 2023 and a February 2026 incident — warrant greater transparency. "We paid $11,000,000... a woman died in June 2023," the member said, naming Renata Aguilar Hurtado and citing a judge's finding that described a "failure to act." The member asked that the board receive systematic information on in‑custody deaths (age, sex, cause of death per coroner) and recommended that an outside authority investigate current incidents rather than the sheriff's office investigating itself. The chair responded that an active investigation is under way and the county will provide information as legally permitted.
Separately, Member Zay reported a sharp drop in senior meal program turnout after the county tied eligibility to LIHEAP thresholds; where hundreds of cars previously showed up, he observed 25–30 on Saturday. He urged staff and committee members to review restrictions and consider adjustments so seniors who need meals can receive them. Member Schorze and others offered to meet with staff and sheriff's office representatives to pursue solutions.
No formal policy votes occurred on either item at the Feb. 24 meeting; members asked staff to return with information and potential options at future committee meetings.
