Inmate's Death Investigated At Contra Costa Jail In Martinez

MARTINEZ, CA — An investigation was underway into the death of an inmate Tuesday at the Contra Costa County jail in Martinez.

The inmate, whom authorities are not identifying at this time, was arrested Saturday by Antioch police for misdemeanor spousal battery, according to a spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.

Upon entering the Intake area of the Martinez Detention Facility, the male inmate tested positive for COVID and was assigned to a module on quarantine status and housed alone, Spokesperson Jimmy Lee said.

The inmate was screened by County Health Services and cleared for incarceration by medical and mental health staff.

At 1:22 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were conducting a room check when they noticed the inmate was not moving, Lee said.

Deputies went into the cell and called for the help of jail medical staff.

Deputies, medical staff and paramedics all attempted life-saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, Lee said.

"There were no immediate signs of trauma or anything suspicious," Lee said. "The countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and the investigation is ongoing."