By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has released the cause and manner of death of an 82-year-old man who died while in custody at the San Diego Central Jail on July 28.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies and a facility nurse found the man, identified as Karim Talib, unresponsive in his cell at about 8:40 a.m. while they were distributing medication. Deputies called 911, requested additional medical staff, and began CPR.
Paramedics and San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel continued lifesaving efforts, but Talib was pronounced dead at the jail at about 9:10 a.m.
Talib 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 on his mental competency, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Talib died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, complicated by acute pyelonephritis caused by enterobacter hormaechei cystitis. His death was classified as natural.
The Sheriff’s Office offered condolences to Talib’s family and said a Family Liaison Officer will continue to assist them. The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board was notified, and the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating the death, as is standard protocol for all in-custody fatalities.
Sheriff’s Office releases cause of death for elderly inmate