Death Investigation 

March 16, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified that a 45-year-old male in Sheriff's custody at the San Diego Central Jail had passed away at a local hospital.

On March 15, 2026, at around 4:20 a.m., several Incarcerated Persons at the San Diego Central Jail alerted deputies that an Incarcerated Person had fainted and was in medical distress.  Deputies located the man in the dayroom area, where he was disoriented but responsive. He was immediately escorted to the facility’s medical clinic for evaluation.

Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department responded and subsequently transported the individual to a nearby hospital. While en route, the man went into medical distress, prompting paramedics to initiate lifesaving measures. Despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital at approximately 5:20 a.m.

The man had been in Sheriff’s custody since April 22, 2024, facing charges related to possession of an illegal weapon. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to his family and all those affected by his passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family during this difficult time.

The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) has been notified regarding the incident. As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of this incident are examined. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office