Update - Death Investigation
August 15, 2025 – San Diego Sheriff's Office officials report that they are releasing additional details regarding the death of 66-year-old 
Alfredo Hernandez, who was in custody at the George Bailey Detention Facility at the time of his passing.
On Monday, September 23, 2024, Alfredo Hernandez was booked into Sheriff's custody after being extradited from El Salvador. Mr. Hernandez was extradited for a 1991 murder that occurred in the Emerald Hills area of San Diego. That investigation was led by the San Diego Police Department.
On Friday, November 15, 2024, while incarcerated at the George Bailey Detention Facility, Mr. Hernandez was transported to a local hospital due to shortness of breath. Due to medical complications, Mr. Hernandez was transferred to the ICU.
On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, around 9:13 a.m., Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified that Mr. Hernandez passed away at the hospital.
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 Sheriff's Office notified the Consulate General of El Salvador of the incident. The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) representative was notified of this incident.
The Medical Examiner's Office has completed an autopsy of Mr. Hernandez and determined the cause of death was the result of sepsis due to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. The manner of death was determined to be natural.
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.
To view the previous information from November 11, 2024, click here.
Source: San Diego Sheriff's Office
