Death Investigation - San Diego Central Jail 

June 30, 2023 - San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on June 28, 2023, Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified 27-year-old Pedro Junior Ornelas III, an individual in Sheriff's custody, passed away at UCSD Hospital around 10:00 a.m. Ornelas was transported to the hospital on June 26, 2023, after deputies located him unresponsive in his single occupant cell. Deputies and jail medical staff provided medical aid until relieved by the San Diego Fire Department. We extend our sympathies to the Ornelas family and those affected by his death. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they deal with the loss of a loved one.

On June 16, 2023, Ornelas was arrested by the California Highway Patrol on a felony warrant for 266H(A) PC- Pimping and 266I(A)(6) PC– Pandering. Ornelas was additionally arrested on the following charges: 29800(A)(1) PC- Felon in Possession of Firearm, 11370.1 HS- Possession of Controlled Substance while Armed, 11351 HS- Possession of Controlled Substance for Sale, and 30305(A)(1) PC- Prohibited Owner of Ammo. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail. Ornelas resided in the city of San Diego at the time of his arrest.

The Citizen's Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) was notified of this incident.

As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit will conduct a thorough investigation. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department