In-Custody Death Under Investigation at West Valley Detention Center
An incident unfolded at the West Valley Detention Center on May 10, 2023, when deputies made a grim discovery of an inmate hanging inside a cell. Despite immediate medical intervention by deputies and jail medical staff, the 38-year-old male resident of West Covina, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, tragically succumbed to his injuries. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department also rushed to the scene, but their efforts to save the inmate’s life proved futile.
Taking charge of the case, detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division have initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this in-custody death. As of now, the investigation remains ongoing, and investigators are diligently working to uncover the truth.
The deceased inmate had been apprehended by Montclair Police on April 11, 2023, on charges of robbery. Subsequently, he was booked into the West Valley Detention Center, where he had been detained until this tragic incident occurred. It is yet to be determined if there were any factors that contributed to this devastating outcome.
Authorities are urging anyone with information pertaining to this case to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation. The Specialized Investigations Division can be reached at 909-890-4904. Alternatively, individuals who wish to maintain anonymity can provide information by contacting the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visiting www.wetip.com.
Detective F. Demara of the Specialized Investigations Division is overseeing the case and can be contacted for further inquiries at the provided phone number. The case has been assigned identification numbers for record-keeping purposes: DR# 602300041 and H# 2023-052.
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department spokesperson, Shannon D. Dicus, expressed condolences for the tragic loss of life and assured the public that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the events leading up to the inmate’s death. The department is committed to transparency and upholding the highest standards of accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department remains dedicated to providing the community with updates and maintaining open lines of communication. Further details will be disclosed as they become available.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in their custody. The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department is fully committed to examining the circumstances surrounding this in-custody death and taking appropriate measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
