April 23, 2023 - Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials reported that on Friday night at approximately 9:50 p.m., Merced County Sheriff Corrections Staff located an unresponsive incarcerated person in the John Latorraca Correctional Center (2584 Sandy Mush Road, Merced).

Correctional Staff and First Responders performed life-saving measures. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Derek Valentine (31), was pronounced deceased.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Investigations Bureau is investigating this incident. We will share more information as it becomes available.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office