Inmate Found Dead in Murrieta Jail Cell

Authorities Tuesday were investigating the death of an inmate who suffered some sort of medical distress while alone in a cell at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.

Deputies were alerted at 5:49 p.m. Monday that an inmate was experiencing a medical emergency in his cell, sheriff’s Sgt. Todd Pauling said.

“Deputies immediately began rendering emergency first aid and summoned on-site medical professionals, as well as emergency medical services,” Pauling said in a statement. “Despite the life-saving efforts, the inmate was pronounced deceased.”

The prisoner was alone in a cell and there was no indication of foul play, Pauling said.

Coroner’s officials will determine the cause of death. The inmate’s identity will be released after family is notified.

— City News Service contributed to this report.  Image via Shutterstock.