Inmate Who Died At Martinez Jail Identified As Solano County Man

MARTINEZ, CA — An investigation has been launched into the death of an inmate early Wednesday at the Contra Costa County jail in Martinez. The inmate, identified as 45-year-old James Darryl Cooper of Vallejo, was found unresponsive in his bunk at 12:47 a.m. Wednesday, the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

A deputy sheriff who was doing a room check at the Martinez Detention Facility and discovered the unresponsive inmate called for medical assistance and started CPR, sheriff's officials said.

Medical staff at MDF continued life-saving measures; an ambulance crew and fire department personnel also responded but the inmate was pronounced deceased, officials said.

Cooper's death appears to be medically related, officials said.

Cooper was booked into jail last Thursday on a warrant for domestic violence. He also had several outstanding arrest warrants out of Solano County.

"The officer-involved protocol was initiated," the news release concluded. "Investigators from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the DA's Office are conducting an investigation into the death."

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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