Inmate Dies At Sonoma Co. Jail; Marin Co. Sheriff's Office To Lead Investigation

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- An inmate died Thursday morning at the main Sonoma County jail in Santa Rosa, and the Marin County Sheriff's Office has assumed the death investigation, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Spencer Crum of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said correctional staff requested an ambulance at 9:52 a.m. for an inmate who was having trouble breathing and was vomiting.

"An ambulance was immediately dispatched," Crum stated in a news release. "At 9:54 a.m., correctional staff stated the inmate went unresponsive and they started CPR. At 9:56 a.m. the first paramedic arrived at the jail and started assisting with lifesaving efforts. Shortly after, the man was pronounced deceased."
According to Crum, there were no immediate indications that the inmate had been involved in a confrontation with anyone, nor did the death appear to be a suicide.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office did not provide the identity of the male inmate Thursday afternoon.

Because the protocol for such incidents calls for an outside agency to lead the death investigation, Crum said the Marin County Sheriff's Office will assume that role, which includes ensuring that the autopsy is also conducted by an outside coroner's office.

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