Death Investigation 

February 28, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that they are investigating the death of a 46-year-old male Incarcerated Person, James Pittman, who passed away at Palomar Medical Center Escondido early on Thursday morning. The Sheriff's Office expresses its deepest condolences to Mr. Pittman's family and all those affected by his passing.

On February 14, 2025, deputies at the Vista Detention Facility were alerted to Mr. Pittman’s need for medical assistance after he was found by his cellmate in a distressed state. Mr. Pittman, who initially appeared to be disoriented and confused, was attended to by deputies. They transported him to the facility's medical clinic for evaluation after which paramedics from the Vista Fire Department transferred him to Palomar Medical Center Escondido.

Following a medical procedure, Mr. Pittman was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he remained until his passing on February 27, 2025. His family was kept informed of his condition throughout his hospital stay.

An autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiner's Office did not determine a preliminary cause and manner of death. The Medical Examiner's investigation is ongoing.  As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and will conduct a thorough investigation. The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) representative was also notified.

Mr. Pittman had been in custody since January 3, 2023, on a 187 PC – Murder charge. At the time of his arrest, he was residing in Oceanside.

A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support Mr. Pittman's family as they cope with their loss.

The Sheriff's Office will provide additional updates as the investigation progresses and further findings are available.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office