Inmate Found Dead In Jail Cell ID’d

DUBLIN, CA — Officials have identified an inmate found dead in his jail cell at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin last month as 29-year-old Edwin Villalta. Villalta, who was listed on jail documents as a transient from the Fremont area, was found unresponsive in his cell at the maximum-security housing unit during an early morning jail count on Nov. 28.

According to the sheriff's office, medical staff from the jail and Alameda County Fire-Paramedics responded to the inmate's cell and immediately began life-saving measures to no avail. Villalta was pronounced dead at 3:17 a.m.

Villalta had been in custody with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office since he was arrested on Nov. 10. Officials said he was arrested by the Fremont Police Department for allegedly attacking police officers. Police said Villalta tried to take a gun from one of the officers and steal a nearby car after he was involved in a car crash. He was facing charges of obstruction and resisting arrest.

The sheriff's office said after an investigation it appeared that Villalta took his own life, leaving behind a note of intent. Villaltas served in the United States Marine Corps for five years and lived in Hayward, according to family members.

Editor's note: Patch originally reported Villaltas was in custody for a day or two before he died, based on information released by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. A report from the Fremont Police Department indicated that he was arrested on Nov. 10.

Bay City News contributed to this report.
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