Valley Jail Section In-Custody Death (ICD)
**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**
July 18, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that the 
(LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an In-Custody Death (ICD) at Valley Jail Section (VJS).
On July 13, 2026, around 6:30 p.m., an individual, later identified as 59-year-old Jose Carlos Hoyos-Munoz, was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon against family members. Hoyos-Munoz was the source of a Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) callout resulting in an eight-hour standoff. Hoyos-Munoz ultimately surrendered and was taken into custody by SWAT personnel. Hoyos-Munoz was transported to a local hospital and treated for exposure to gas utilized by SWAT personnel. He was released from the hospital and transported to Valley Jail Section for booking.
On July 15, 2026, around 3:40 a.m., Custody Services Division (CSD) personnel removed Hoyos-Munoz from his holding cell resulting in a Non-Categorical Use of Force (UOF). Hoyos-Munoz was placed in a 5-point chair and was fingerprinted. Hoyos-Munoz was placed into a single occupant cell and momentarily remained handcuffed. Custody Services Division personnel returned to Hoyos-Munoz’s cell when an additional Non-Categorical UOF occurred. During the UOF, Hoyos-Munoz was placed onto a jail cell bunk in a prone position and the handcuffs were removed. Approximately 20 minutes later, CSD personnel re-entered Hoyos-Munoz cell and discovered him to be unconscious and not breathing. CSD personnel, along with dispensary staff rendered medical aid until his care was assumed by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel.
Despite medical intervention, Hoyos-Munoz failed to respond to treatment and was pronounced deceased. There were three detention officers injured as a result of this incident. The injuries consisted of contusions and minor lacerations. The three detention officers were treated and released from a local hospital.
Force Investigation Division (FID) personnel have assumed investigative responsibility over this incident.
Source: Los Angeles Police Department
