Banning Inmate Found Dead, Sheriff's Department Reports

BANNING, CA — A jail inmate at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning was found dead over the weekend, the sheriff's department reported Monday. The inmate, who was not identified, was found early Sunday and investigators are now looking into what may have caused the man's death.

The man was found unresponsive about 12:25 a.m. Sunday in the intake area jail, said sheriff's Sgt. Walter Mendez.

"Life saving measures were initiated and medical personnel summoned, but the inmate later died," the sergeant said.

The man's identity was being withheld until family members are notified.

"The Riverside Sheriff’s Department-Central Homicide Unit and Smith Correctional Jail Investigators responded and have assumed the investigation," Mendez said. "There are no signs of foul play and due to the ongoing status of the investigation, no further information is available at this time."

Anyone with information regarding the death was asked to contact Investigator Dan Moody of the Central Homicide Unit at (760) 393-3525.

Patch file photo