By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–Authorities reported that a man in Sheriff’s custody was found unresponsive in the shower area and later passed away at the San Diego Central Jail on June 26.
Sheriff’s homicide investigators were informed that 42-year-old Richard Woodford died at the facility around 6:30 p.m.
“The San Diego Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to the Woodford family and those affected by his passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they cope with their loss,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in the department’s news release.
On June 26, around 5:54 p.m., deputies were notified by other incarcerated persons that Woodford was down inside a housing module. Deputies responded and discovered Woodford lying unresponsive on the floor in the shower area. Deputies suspected he was having a medical emergency and called for medical staff assistance. The deputies placed Woodford into a wheelchair and started to transport him to the jail medical unit. The medical staff arrived at the housing area and began providing treatment to Woodford. Paramedics were called to provide immediate medical care. Despite all efforts, Woodford succumbed, investigators stated.
Woodford was taken into custody on June 25 on a misdemeanor arrest warrant for three counts of intent to defraud, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. He was arrested by the San Diego Sheriff’s Office in Santee and identified as homeless.
The Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board representative was notified of the incident. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
As is the protocol for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded and conducted a thorough investigation. On June 28, the autopsy on Woodford was completed. At this time, the cause and manner of death have not been determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
