Death Investigation 

August 16, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that on August on Friday, August 14, 2026, Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified that a 34‑year‑old male in Sheriff's custody at the San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) had passed away at a local hospital.

On August 14, 2026, at approximately 7:20 p.m., a Sheriff's Deputy conducting a security check at SDCJ discovered an incarcerated individual who was unresponsive inside his cell. The individual was housed alone. The deputy immediately requested assistance from facility medical staff, activated 9‑1‑1, and began life‑saving measures.

Paramedics and personnel from the San Diego Fire Department continued resuscitation efforts upon arrival. The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 8:05 p.m.

The individual had been arrested by the San Diego Police Department and booked into Sheriff's custody on August 13, 2026. He was facing several drug‑related charges, including possession of a controlled substance, transportation/sales of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office extends its sympathies to the decedent’s 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 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 examine all aspects of the incident. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office