SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — An inmate at the San Diego Central Jail was found dead on Sunday morning, according to officials.
The 44-year-old man was found unresponsive in his cell at about 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16. Deputies immediately began life saving measures.
In a press release, Lt. Juan Marquez of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office stated that: “Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival. Despite their efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the detention facility at about 7:35 a.m.”
The man was in custody since Nov. 8 of this year and was being held on shoplifting charges. His identity has not yet been made public, pending the notification of his next of kin.
“The San Diego Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to the decedent’s family and all those affected by his passing,” added Marquez.
The Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board has been notified. Per protocol, the death will be investigated by Sheriff’s homicide investigators, and the cause of death will be established by the Medical Examiner’s office.
This is the tenth in-custody death to occur in 2025 so far.