By Gina Yarbrough
Vista, CA–A man in the custody of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office was found unresponsive in his cell at the Vista Detention Facility on September 22 in what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted hanging.
A Sheriff’s deputy conducting a security check around 10:50 p.m. found 45‑year‑old Gian Soleil self‑inflicted hanging inside his assigned cell. He was housed alone. Deputies immediately activated 9‑1‑1, requested assistance from on‑site medical staff, and initiated life‑saving measures.
Vista Fire personnel and paramedics continued resuscitation efforts after arriving at the jail. Soleil was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:55 p.m.
Soleil had been arrested by the San Diego Fugitive Task Force on February 17, 2024, pursuant to an outstanding warrant for several child molestation charges. He was scheduled to appear in court on September 30.
“The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends its sympathies to the Soleil family and all those affected by this loss. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer has been assigned and will continue to support the family during this difficult time,” the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office stated in a release.
The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board was notified. In accordance with protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of the incident are fully examined.
