A 34-year-old Yucca Valley woman, Dianna Newton, died in custody, triggering an in-custody death investigation, authorities said. Newton was found unresponsive in her cell at the West Valley Detention Center early Tuesday morning and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
According to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, deputies discovered Newton at around 1:09 a.m., whereupon jail medical staff and later the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department attempted lifesaving measures. She was arrested on October 28, 2023, for arson and had been receiving medical treatment for "multiple serious medical issues" since her incarceration, the statement revealed.
An autopsy is scheduled to ascertain the cause of Newton's death. The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Newton’s death. No further information regarding the case has been disclosed as the investigation continues.
The county sheriff's office has urged anyone with information to come forward and contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. For those preferring to stay anonymous, they can reach out to We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit www.wetip.com,
