Inmate, 21, Found Dead In Santa Cruz County Jail

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County correctional officers discovered a 21-year-old inmate dead in his cell Sunday evening, the sheriff's office said.

Tamario Smith, 21, was found around 6 p.m. and could not be saved, despite aid rendered by correctional officers and paramedics. A forensic pathologist is performing autopsy and toxicology tests to determine the cause and manner of Smith's death, the sheriff's office said.

He did not share a cell with anyone and there were no visible signs of injury or trauma. Foul play is not suspected and Smith did not display symptoms associated with the new coronavirus.

Smith was arrested in January on suspicion of domestic violence-related charges, the sheriff's office said.