Inmate dies in custody at King County Jail

September 14, 2010

Summary

A man being held on a fugitive warrant from the state of Florida died in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention yesterday afternoon, September 13, 2010, at Harborview Medical Center at 4:00 p.m.

Story

A man being held on a fugitive warrant from the state of Florida died in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention yesterday afternoon, September 13, 2010, at Harborview Medical Center at 4:00 p.m.

The 45-year old man had been arrested for an Investigation of a Fugitive warrant out of Florida. He was booked into the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) on August 26, 2010, and transferred to the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in downtown Seattle a few hours later.

At 3:25 a.m. Saturday morning, September 11, 2010, jail staff responded to a medical emergency after being alerted by other inmates. Staff immediately initiated life-saving measures and called 9-1-1. Medic One arrived on the scene at 3:35 a.m. to continue rescue attempts and rush the inmate to Harborview.

The King County Medical Examiner will make a determination on the cause and manner of death. State law requires that the Medical Examiner conduct an autopsy on all in-custody deaths. Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking permission from family members to release further details.

As part of the standard review process for all jail-related deaths, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention is working with Public Health to conduct an internal investigation. The Seattle Police Department will also conduct an independent investigation.