Murrieta Inmate Dies At Hospital After Illness

MURRIETA, CA — A 46-year-old inmate housed at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta was transferred to a hospital for treatment of an unspecified illness and died, authorities said Tuesday.

Jess R. Flores of Calimesa succumbed to complications stemming from the illness at about 11:30 a.m. Monday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

"Flores was being treated for his illness when his medical condition diminished," Sgt. Chris Wedel said.

The detainee was taken from the Murrieta jail to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, which is under contract to provide health services to inmates countywide.

While undergoing treatment, and despite hospital staff "performing life-saving measures," Flores died, Wedel said.

"There were no signs of foul play. Flores' family was notified of his death," the sergeant said.

Jail records indicate that Flores was arrested by deputies in San Jacinto on Sept. 5 and booked into the Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of burglary, forgery, vehicle theft, domestic violence and probation violations.