On Saturday October 18, 2014 at approximately 9:30 PM, a Correctional Deputy and Jail Nurse dispensing medication discovered unresponsive inmate inside a cell in a housing unit of the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.
The Correctional Deputy felt no pulse, immediately called for help and began lifesaving efforts. More Jail Personnel rushed to the housing unit. Paramedics from the Fire Department arrived as well as Patrol Deputies. The inmate was pronounced dead at 9:49 PM.
The subject had been arrested on Friday October 17, 2014 by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. The subject was booked into MADF for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Bringing a Controlled Substance into a Jail and Violation of Felony Probation.
When booked into the jail, the subject was screened by Jail Medical Personnel. Because of an extensive history of substance abuse and other associated medical concerns, the subject was housed in a special housing unit with a focus on inmates going through withdrawal, at about 9:40 PM Friday. The subject awoke in the morning Saturday and was accounted for in the twice-hourly rounds conducted by the Correctional Deputies.
The circumstances surrounding the subject’s sudden death are unclear. There was no sign of injury or foul play. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Marin County Sheriff’s Office conduct the investigation into the death. Their Detectives arrived and assumed full responsibility for the case.
The name and other identifying information of the deceased is withheld pending notification of next of kin.
For any further details about the event, please contact the Marin County Sherriff’s Office Investigations Unit at 415-473-7265.
Case #141018-017
Prepared by Sergeant Cecile Focha
Media Relations / PIO
