Authorities Identify Inmate Who Died At Martinez County Jail

MARTINEZ, CA — The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office identified a Martinez man as the inmate who died Tuesday night at the Martinez Detention Center.

The inmate, 54-year-old Kent Hickey, was arrested shortly after 10:30 p.m. Monday by Contra Costa County sheriff's deputies. Hickey had a felony bench warrant out for his arrest on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, suspected possession of methamphetamine for sale, and suspected possession of a controlled substance for sale, the sheriff's office said Wednesday in a news release.

The bench warrant, which carried a $50,000 bail and had a mandatory court appearance, was issued as a result of a Concord Police Department investigation.

Hickey was taken to court Tuesday and was ordered to remain in custody. Hickey was assigned a room by himself at 3:39 p.m. Tuesday, the sheriff's office said.

At 4:03 p.m., a deputy sheriff checked Hickey's room.

During another room check at 4:25 p.m., the deputy sheriff found Hickey hanging from a bedsheet.

"The deputy called for assistance and removed the bedsheet," the sheriff's office said. "Deputies and jail medical staff performed life-saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. Hickey was later pronounced deceased at the scene."

The county's fatal incident protocol has been invoked and the investigation into the death was ongoing Wednesday.

The sheriff's office asked anyone with any information about the death to contact the Investigation Division at 925-313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 925-646-2441. Information can also be sent via email to tips@so.cccounty.us or by leaving an anonymous voice message by calling 866-846-3592.