By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has released new information regarding the death of 66-year-old Alfredo Hernandez, who died while in custody at the George Bailey Detention Facility.
Hernandez was booked into the Sheriff’s custody on September 23, 2024, following his extradition from El Salvador to face charges in connection with a 1991 murder in San Diego’s Emerald Hills neighborhood. The case was originally investigated by the San Diego Police Department.
On November 15, 2024, Hernandez was taken from the detention facility to a local hospital after experiencing shortness of breath. He was later admitted to the intensive care unit due to medical complications.
Officials said Hernandez passed away at the hospital on November 26, 2024, at approximately 9:13 a.m. Sheriff’s Homicide investigators were notified shortly after his death, as is standard protocol in all in-custody deaths.
The Medical Examiner’s Office determined Hernandez died from sepsis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. His manner of death was ruled natural.
The Sheriff’s Office said the Consulate General of El Salvador and the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board were both notified of the incident.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Department emphasized ongoing efforts to improve conditions in county jails, citing investments in medical and behavioral health care, infrastructure upgrades, and safety measures.
“One of Sheriff Martinez’s highest priorities has been improving our jails,” the statement read. “We have worked to ensure a medical doctor or nurse practitioner is present at jail intake to identify medical needs early. Our Contraband and Narcotics Interdiction Team continues to serve as the first line of defense against drugs and weapons entering our facilities.”
