Santa Barbara, Calif. – An incarcerated person has died at the Main Jail from an apparent suicide after being found unresponsive with a ligature around their neck. The incarcerated person had been booked at the jail on Tuesday, November 8, 2024, by the Sheriff’s Office for felonies including assault with a deadly weapon, evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety of others, and driving under the influence of drugs and was being held with a bail of $75,000. The incarcerated person was housed in a single person observation cell within the Inmate Reception Center.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Custody Deputies found the incarcerated person unresponsive in the cell. Custody staff along with WellPath medical staff began life saving measures. County Fire and American Medical Response (AMR) were summoned and responded to the jail facility. Paramedics continued life-saving measures, but the incarcerated person was beyond resuscitation and was pronounced deceased approximately 40 minutes later.

Although this appears to be a suicide, the Sheriff’s Office is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Investigators from Criminal Investigations, Corners Bureau, and Administrative Investigations responded to conduct multiple investigations. The Coroner’s Office will conduct further investigation to determine the cause and manner of this death.

The identity of the decedent will be released once notification to their next-of-kin has been completed.