Cause and Manner of In-Custody Death - San Diego Central Jail
July 24, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they are releasing the cause and manner of death of 
35‑year‑old Irving Pineda, who was in custody at the San Diego Central Jail. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators were notified that Mr. Pineda passed away at a local hospital.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on February 18, 2026, Sheriff’s Deputies and a facility nurse were distributing medication inside the San Diego Central Jail when they found Mr. Pineda slumped over a table in his assigned cell and appearing to be in medical distress. Deputies immediately activated 9‑1‑1, requested additional medical assistance, and began life‑saving measures.
Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department assumed life‑saving efforts upon arrival, and Mr. Pineda was transported to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced deceased at approximately 8:30 a.m.
San Diego County Sheriff Reports In-Custody Death Investigation of a 35-Year-Old Male Inmate
The Medical Examiner's Office has completed an autopsy of Mr. Pineda and determined the cause of death to be chronic substance use complicated by the combined toxic effects of buprenorphine, diazepam, methamphetamine, and phenylephrine. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease was identified as a significant contributing factor. The manner of death was classified as accidental.
Mr. Pineda had been in Sheriff’s custody since February 12, 2026, and was facing charges of grand theft and violating a court order.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the Pineda family and all those affected by his passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family during this difficult time.
The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) was notified of the incident. In accordance with 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.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office