Authorities are probing into what they're calling an "in-custody death" after an inmate was found lifeless in his cell at a Rancho Cucamonga detention center. The deceased, a 62-year-old, identified as Keith Crossley, was a transient from San Bernardino, as reported by officials. The grim discovery occurred late Saturday afternoon.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department stated that Crossley was found unresponsive on January 20, around 4:15 p.m. at the West Valley Detention Center. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the medical staff and deputies, Crossley was declared dead after being transferred to the hospital, succumbing around 6:17 p.m. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division swarmed the detention facility and the hospital to unravel the circumstances of Crossley's passing.
It was confirmed that Crossley had been initially arrested on January 15 for assault with a deadly weapon that wasn't a firearm, along with a probation violation. Originally booked into the Central Detention Center, he was moved to West Valley Detention Center, where he remained until his death, as detailed by the Sheriff-Coroner's press release.
There’s no clear indication as to what led to Crossley's death as of yet. With no apparent signs of drug use or trauma, officials are hedging their bets on the autopsy results for answers. Anyone clutching onto any relevant tidbits has been implored to come forward by Detective D. Gosswiller of the Specialized Investigations Division. The call for tips highlighted anonymity for those who prefer it, directing them towards We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or the website for anonymous tips.
Details remain sparse, with the expectation that more light will be shed following the autopsy. As it stands, the cloud of uncertainty looms over Crossley's final moments in custody, prompting a community and a system to closely examine the nature of his untimely demise.
