Update - Death Investigation
November 22, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that the San Diego County Sheriff's Office 
is releasing the cause and manner of death of an 82-year-old man, Karim Talib, who was in custody at the San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ). On Monday, July 28, 2025, Sheriff's Homicide investigators were notified of Mr. Talib's passing while in custody at SDCJ.
On July 28, 2025, at around 8:40 a.m., Sheriff's Deputies and a facility nurse were distributing medication when they discovered Mr. Talib 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 CPR.
Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival. Despite their efforts, Mr. Talib was pronounced deceased at the detention facility at about 9:10 a.m.
Mr. Talib had been in Sheriff's custody since May 27, 2025, and was facing charges for mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse. He was pending a court hearing related to his mental competency.
The Medical Examiner's Office has completed an autopsy of Mr. Talib and determined the cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease complicated by acute pyelonephritis due to enterobacter hormaechei cystitis. The manner of death was classified as natural.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends our sympathies to the Talib family and all those affected by Mr. Talib's passing. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family as they navigate through this difficult time.
The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) was 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.
Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
