Santa Rita Jail Inmate Found Dead, Cellmate Suspected

DUBLIN, CA — A 39-year-old inmate at Santa Rita Jail died in his cell Wednesday, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Yuri Brand was found unresponsive in his cell during a routine observation check Wednesday at 12:23 p.m., ACSO said in a news release. Staff performed life-saving measures, but Brand did not regain consciousness, and was pronounced dead-on-the-scene at 1:15 p.m.

Brand was arrested Sept. 8 and charged with burglary and trespassing after allegedly breaking into a Piedmont home and staying there for two days, according to a KTVU report.. He ate roughly $1,000 worth of food and drink.

Brand’s mother, Erica Edgerly, told KTVU that her son suffered from schizophrenia, and exhibited erratic behavior since he was hit in the head in high school. She said he has been in and out of jail since then.

ASCO said that Brand’s cellmate, 33-year-old Bryson Levy, is suspected of killing him. They have filed a complaint with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office against Levy, who was arrested Sept. 12 for vandalism and violating the conditions of his parole. Three sources told KTVU that both men were housed in a unit for inmates with mental illnesses.

Despite the complaint, ASCO said the cause of death is officially unknown, and is awaiting information from the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau Medical Examiner.