SJPD Investigates In-Custody Death

MEDIA ADVISORY

23-161-0247

On June 10, 2023, at approximately 11:54 AM, an Officer transported an adult female prisoner from Valley Medical Center (VMC) to the Santa Clara County Jail. The prisoner had been arrested on June 6, 2023 for an outstanding arrest warrant. At the time of the arrest, the prisoner informed officers she had a medical condition that required her to be transported to VMC for treatment. The prisoner was admitted into the hospital and remained there until June 10, 2023. On June 10, 2023, VMC staff informed San Jose Police that the prisoner was being discharged. A SJPD Officer arrived at VMC and transported the prisoner to the jail. The prisoner was rejected by jail medical staff and was once again transported via ambulance back to VMC, where she was ultimately pronounced deceased. 

The circumstances surrounding the event are still under investigation. The cause of death is unknown pending a medical examination by the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office.

The identity of the prisoner will be released by the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office after confirming her identity and notifying next of kin.

A joint criminal investigation by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and the San Jose Police Department's Homicide Unit is underway. The case is being monitored by the San José Police Department's Internal Affairs Unit, the City Attorney's Office, and the Office of the Independent Police Auditor.     

Anyone with more information about this incident should contact the San José Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 408-277-5283.