In-Custody Death Investigation 

August 31, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified a 35-year-old male in Sheriff's custody passed away at the San Diego Central Jail.

On August 30, 2025, at around 3:08 p.m., several Incarcerated Persons at the San Diego Central Jail notified Sheriff's Deputies that an Incarcerated Person was in medical distress.  Deputies discovered the individual unresponsive inside his cell. Upon observing the situation, the deputies immediately activated 9-1-1, requested additional assistance from the facility's medical staff, and began life saving measures. 

Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival and the individual was transported to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the hospital at about 4:31 p.m.

This individual had been in Sheriff's custody since August 29, 2025, and was facing charges for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property.

The identity of the deceased is currently being withheld pending notification of his family. The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends our sympathies to the decedent's family and all those affected by his passing. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they navigate through this difficult time.

The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) has been notified regarding the incident. As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded and is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of this incident are examined. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office