Update - Cause and Manner of In-Custody Death
May 8, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that they are releasing additional details regarding the death of 
38-year-old Majid Arif Almajid, who was in custody at the George Bailey Detention Facility at the time of his passing.
On May 5, 2024, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit was notified 38-year-old Majid Arif Almajid, an individual in Sheriff's custody, passed away at around 11:15 a.m. Deputies located Almajid unresponsive in his bed. Deputies and jail medical staff immediately provided medical aid in an attempt to revive Almajid. Paramedics from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival.
The San Diego Sheriff's Department extends our sympathies to the Almajid family and those affected by his passing. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer was made available to support the family as they navigated through this difficult time.
On December 20, 2023, Almajid was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force for several counts of 288.7(a) PC - Sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years or younger, and several counts of 288.7(b) PC - Oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years or younger and booked into the San Diego Central Jail. Almajid was transferred to the George Bailey Detention Facility on December 26, 2023. Almajid resided in Ramona at the time of his arrest.
As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of this incident are examined.
The Medical Examiner's Office has completed an autopsy of Mr. Almajid and determined the cause of death was the result of pulmonary infarcts of uncertain etiology with a contributing factor being the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and trazodone. The manner of death was determined to be an accident.
One of Sheriff Martinez highest priorities has been improving our jails. The Sheriff's Office has invested in significant infrastructure upgrades, more medical and behavioral health care and improved safety for people in our custody. We have worked to ensure a medical doctor or nurse practitioner is present when someone arrives at jail intake. This partnership helps us identify and address medical needs early. When it comes to enhancing safety and security at county jails, the Sheriff's Contraband and Narcotics Interdiction Team (CNIT) remains the first line of defense against drugs and weapons entering our facilities. Specialized deputies use body scanners, metal detectors, and other advanced screening tools to inspect every person entering custody.
To learn more about the improvements we have made in our detention facilities, click here.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office
