Death Investigation 

November 17, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified a 44-year-old male in Sheriff's custody passed away at the San Diego Central Jail.

On November 16, 2025, at around 7:05 a.m., Sheriff's Deputies at the San Diego Central Jail were performing their routine duties when they discovered the individual unresponsive inside his assigned 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. Despite their efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased at the detention facility at about 7:35 a.m.

This individual had been in Sheriff's custody since November 8, 2025, and was facing charges for shoplifting with priors.

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