Death Investigation Update 

March 19, 2026 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials are releasing information regarding the death of 45‑year‑old Drahkee House, who was in custody at the San Diego Central Jail (SDCJ). On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Sheriff’s Homicide investigators were notified that Mr. House had been transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

On March 15, 2026, at around 4:20 a.m., several incarcerated persons at the San Diego Central Jail alerted deputies that Mr. House had fainted and was in medical distress. Deputies located Mr. House in the dayroom area, where he was disoriented but responsive. He was immediately escorted to the facility’s medical clinic for evaluation.

Paramedics and the San Diego Fire Department responded and subsequently transported Mr. House to a nearby hospital. While en route, he went into medical distress, prompting paramedics to initiate lifesaving measures. Despite all efforts, Mr. House was pronounced deceased at the hospital at approximately 5:20 a.m.

Related: San Diego County Sheriff Reports In-Custody Death of 45-Year-Old Man at the Central Jail

Mr. House was arrested by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and had been in Sheriff’s custody since April 22, 2024, facing charges related to possession of an illegal weapon. On April 23, 2024, CHP filed murder charges in an unrelated case. The San Diego Police Department also added charges of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. He was later found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and robbery, and was scheduled to be sentenced in May 2026.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to his family and all those affected by his passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family during 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. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner's Office.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office