The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 1 that two separate in-custody deaths occurred at the San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp during March.
The sheriff’s office said it is releasing this information to maintain transparency with the community and comply with Assembly Bill 2761, which requires disclosure of such incidents. Both cases are under investigation by local detectives and medical examiners, and official causes of death have not yet been determined.
According to the statement, on March 18 at about 8:30 a.m., custody staff found a 41-year-old male unresponsive in the men’s restroom of the jail booking lobby. Preliminary findings indicate he suffered from a self-inflicted injury. “Custody staff immediately initiated life-saving measures, including CPR, and continued medical intervention until the arrival of fire department personnel and advanced medical teams. The individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. Despite continued medical efforts, he was pronounced deceased on March 26, 2026.” An investigation remains ongoing by detectives from both the sheriff’s office and the county medical examiner’s office.
A second incident took place on March 31 at approximately 10:20 a.m., when jail staff observed erratic behavior from a 24-year-old male housed in the Medical Housing Unit. Correctional health staff responded after learning he had ingested an unknown substance. “Medical care was promptly administered; however, the individual’s condition declined, leading to an altered state of consciousness. Emergency Medical Services responded and transported the individual to a local medical facility for advanced treatment. Despite ongoing medical intervention, he was pronounced deceased on April 1, 2026.” This case is being investigated by sheriff’s detectives along with investigators from Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office promotes public transparency through crime mapping tools and community surveys according to its official website. The agency manages detention operations as well as animal services according to its official website. It serves an area covering approximately 1,426 square miles within California’s Central Valley according to its official website, focusing on providing law enforcement services alongside community partnerships according to its official website. Law enforcement coverage includes unincorporated areas and specific zones within northern portions of California’s Central Valley according to its official website.
Additional updates regarding these investigations will be provided once more details are confirmed.
