A 47-year-old inmate died after being found unresponsive in his cell at George Bailey Detention Facility, authorities said Sunday.
Jonathan McDowell of Ramona was pronounced dead around 5 p.m. Saturday at Scripps Mercy Hospital, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. An autopsy concluded McDowell died by hanging and the manner of death was suicide, according to an autopsy report from the Medical Examiner's Office released Monday.
More San Diego news:
McDowell was found unresponsive in his cell on July 19. Deputies and jail medical staff provided medical aid, including CPR, Naloxone and an AED device until he was taken to the hospital.
Get top local stories in San Diego delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC San Diego's News Headlines newsletter.
McDowell was arrested on Feb. 20 by the sheriff's department on suspicion of assault on a peace officer with a firearm, attempted murder and committing a felony while on bail or release. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility.
The sheriff's homicide unit will conduct a thorough investigation of the death. The Citizen's Law Enforcement Review Board was also notified of the death.
A state audit in 2022 found that officials had not adequately prevented or responded to deaths in custody. The county had 19 custody deaths that year, and has already surpassed 10 custody deaths this year.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
