SAN DIEGO–A male inmate found dead in his jail cell at the San Diego Central Jail October 26 died by suicide by asphyxia of his airway by a sock, according to the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office.
Sheriff’s deputies doing a security check at the jail found 52-year-old Don Ralph unresponsive in his cell. While performing an initial check of the inmate, deputies found a sock lodged in his throat. Deputies removed the sock and performed first aid until relieved by paramedics. Despite lifesaving efforts, Ralph was declared dead. Ralph shared a cell with one other inmate.
No preliminary evidence of foul play was discovered. Ralph had been in custody for 45 days, following his return from a state hospital, for a court hearing on a battery with serious bodily injury charge.
The Medical Examiner has concluded their autopsy report and provided it to the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit.
