In-Custody Death Investigation 

April 28, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report on Friday, April 25, 2025, around 3:00 a.m., Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified that an 82-year-old man in Sheriff's custody, passed away at a local hospital.

On March 17, 2025, Incarcerated Person Thomas Richard Heaven was transported from the San Diego Central Jail to a local hospital due to having low blood pressure and a high heart rate.  On April 7, 2025, Heaven was transferred to the Hospital Guard Unit at another local hospital where he remained in Sheriff's custody.  On April 24, 2025, Mr. Heaven's overall condition rapidly began to deteriorate due to his low oxygen levels and, at 11:45 p.m., Mr. Heaven was pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

Heaven was in custody for several counts of 288(a) P.C., Committing Lewd and Lascivious Acts on a Child Under 14 Years of Age.  Heaven was due in San Diego Central Court on May 5, 2025, for sentencing. 

Mr. Heaven's family has been notified, and a Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family during this difficult time.

The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) representative was notified regarding the incident. 

As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and will conduct a thorough investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for April 26, 2025.  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 Office