Update: Death Investigation at San Diego Central Jail
July 3, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on June 26, 2024, around 6:30 p.m., Sheriff's Homicide 
investigators were notified 42-year-old Richard Woodford, in Sheriff's custody, passed away at the San Diego Central Jail. The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends our sympathies to the Woodford family and those affected by his passing. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they cope with their loss.
On June 26, 2024, around 5:54 p.m., deputies were notified by other incarcerated persons that Woodford was down inside a housing module. Deputies responded and discovered Woodford lying unresponsive on the floor in the shower area. Deputies suspected he was having a medical emergency and called for medical assistance. The deputies placed Woodford into a wheelchair and started to transport him to the jail medical unit. Jail medical staff arrived at the housing area and began providing medical care to Woodford. Paramedics were called and responded, taking over immediate medical care. Despite all efforts, Woodford succumbed and unfortunately passed away despite all attempts to save him.
Richard Woodford was taken into custody on June 25, 2024, on a misdemeanor arrest warrant. The arrest warrant was for three counts of intent to defraud, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. Woodford was arrested by the San Diego Sheriff's Office in the city of Santee and identified as homeless.
To view our prior news release, click here.
The Citizen's Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) representative was notified of this incident. The Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and will conduct a thorough investigation. On June 28, 2024, the autopsy on Woodford was completed. At this time, the cause and manner of death has not been determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
Related: San Diego County Sheriff Reports In-Custody Death of a 42-Year-Old Man at the San Diego Central Jail
