Update - Death Investigation
September 8, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Saturday, September 5, 2026, Sheriff's 
Homicide investigators were notified that a 50‑year‑old male in Sheriff's custody at the San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ) had passed away.
On September 5, 2026, at approximately 7:06 p.m., a Sheriff's Deputy conducting a security check at SDCJ discovered 50-year-old Daniel Patrick Murphy was unresponsive inside his cell.
The deputy immediately requested assistance from facility medical staff, activated 9‑1‑1, and began life‑saving measures.
Upon arrival, paramedics and personnel from the San Diego Fire Department continued resuscitation efforts. Unfortunately, Mr. Murphy was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:33 p.m.
Mr. Murphy had been arrested by the San Diego Police Department on a warrant stemming from drug related charges. He was booked into Sheriff's custody on September 4, 2026. Mr. Murphy was facing charges including possession of a controlled substance and bringing a controlled substance into a jail facility. The charge of bringing a controlled substance into a jail facility was not related to this recent booking.
Related: San Diego County Sheriff Reports In-Custody Death of Recently Jailed 50-Year-Old Male Inmate
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office extends its sympathies to the Murphy 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) 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
