An 85-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and domestic violence died last Friday while in San Diego Police Department custody after he was moved from the San Diego Central Jail to a hospital for further medical evaluation, authorities said. The San Diego County Sheriff's Homicide Unit was notified yesterday morning and has taken over the in-custody death investigation.
Officials' accounts and next steps
In a news release, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said its Homicide Unit was called in under a countywide memorandum of understanding that assigns the unit to investigate in-custody deaths involving local law enforcement agencies. The unit has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting the primary investigation into what happened before and after the man was brought to jail.
What the news outlet reported
Coverage from ABC 10News reported that San Diego police officers arrested the man on June 18 and took him to the San Diego Central Jail for booking. Intake medical staff there determined he needed further medical evaluation, so he was transported to a local hospital while remaining in SDPD custody, San Diego County Sheriff's Homicide Lt. Juan Marquez told the outlet.
Marquez said the man's condition continued to decline and he was pronounced dead at the hospital just before midnight last Friday, according to the report. ABC 10News also noted that his identity is being withheld until relatives can be notified and that the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
Why this matters
The California State Auditor has found that San Diego County reported one of the highest rates of in-custody deaths in the state between 2006 and 2020, a distinction that has intensified scrutiny of the county's jail medical care and detention practices. Local reporting and court actions have highlighted large legal settlements tied to deaths in custody, including a nearly $15 million agreement in the 2019 death of Elisa Serna, and have helped spur reforms and added oversight.
Investigation and what to expect
According to officials, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, booking process and hospital transfer. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to issue an official finding on the cause and manner of death after its review is complete. Authorities have not yet released the man's name and have not provided additional information about any charges beyond the initial arrest, saying they will share more details as the case moves forward.
