Death in Custody

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 14, 2024
Twitter: @SMCSheriff
CONTACT: Sgt. Philip Hallworth | (650) 421-1243

Death in Custody

Location: 300 Bradford Street, Redwood City

Incident: Death in Custody

Redwood City, CA – On Sunday, January 14, 2024, at approximately 8:45 am, Correctional and medical staff at the Maguire Correctional Facility were conducting routine medical evaluations (which take place at regular intervals per protocol) of all of the incarcerated persons on the 4 East Housing Detox Unit. While checking on an incarcerated person (a 23-year-old white male), the nurse noticed he was having difficulty breathing. Medical staff immediately initiated first aid and life saving measures while the correctional officer assisted by calling for additional medical assistance.

The Redwood City Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) paramedics responded and took over the life saving efforts upon their arrival. Unfortunately, the lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and the incarcerated person succumbed to this medical episode.

Following protocol, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Investigations Bureau, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Coroner’s Office were notified and responded to the scene. Investigators from these three agencies are currently conducting independent investigations to determine the cause of death. The final determination will be made by the Coroner’s Office once they have completed their investigation. 

The Sheriff’s Office began to provide enhanced medical care to this detox unit in 2023 to address the increase in the number of people arrested for a crime while under the influence of illegal narcotics. The innovative housing unit frequently houses incarcerated persons who are experiencing withdrawals from alcohol and controlled substances. The incarcerated persons experiencing withdrawals are evaluated by medical and Correctional staff every fifteen to thirty minutes because of the dangers of illegal narcotics.

This housing unit provides medication and evaluation constantly because we are concerned about this population in custody. Out of respect for the family, we are withholding the incarcerated person’s name until notifications have been completed by the Coroner’s Office.