By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–An 82-year-old inmate died Monday morning while in custody at the San Diego Central Jail, authorities said.
At about 8:40 a.m., deputies and a facility nurse were distributing medication when they found the man unresponsive in his cell, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies immediately called 911, requested medical staff assistance, and began CPR.
Paramedics and San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel arrived and continued lifesaving efforts, but the inmate was pronounced dead at the jail at approximately 9:10 a.m.
The man had been in custody since May 27 on charges of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse. He was awaiting a court hearing to determine his mental competency, officials said. His name is being withheld pending notification of family, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
As is standard in all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating the case, and the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board has been notified. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
