Jail Inmate Found Dead In Cell Was Awaiting Trial In 2022 Slaying

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Sonoma County man who has lived in Petaluma and Santa Rosa died Wednesday while in custody at the Sonoma County jail.

Skyler Rasmussen, 28, was found unresponsive in a cell, where he was housed by himself, Sonoma County sheriff's Spokesperson Rob Dillion said.

"Multiple correctional deputies began life-saving measures by performing CPR, utilizing an AED, providing NARCAN, and calling for an ambulance," Dillion said.

However, Rasmussen was pronounced dead by emergency medical personnel.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Violent Crime Detectives and Crime Scene Investigation responded to further investigate.

"More information will be released as the investigation develops," Dillion said.

Rasmussen was a suspect in a homicide in December 2022 at the Palms Inn, a Santa Rosa hotel converted to a permanent supportive housing site.

William Woodard, 36, of Santa Rosa, was found stabbed in his room and later died at a hospital.

Following the fatal stabbing, Rasmussen, who has a criminal record dating back to 2014 including an arrest in a fiery high-speed chase in 2021, was picked up on a parole violation and has remained in custody.

In September 2023, Judge Robert LaForge ruled there was enough evidence to bring Rasmussen to trial in connection with the slaying, according to a news report from KSRO.

Rasmussen's attorney argued Woodard was killed in self-defense, according to the news report. It is alleged that when Rasmussen, who'd taken fentanyl, went to Rasmussen's room for naloxone, Woodard tried to sexually assault Rasmussen.

Under the countywide in-custody death policy, the Marin County Coroner's Office is conducting an independent investigation of Rasmussen's death.

"During this challenging time, the Sheriff’s Office would like to send our deepest condolences to Rasmussen’s family and friends," Dillion said.