In-Custody Death at Valley Medical Center Raises Questions About Jail Healthcare
An incarcerated man with serious health issues has died while receiving medical care at Valley Medical Center in San Jose, adding another name to the troubling list of in-custody deaths in local jails.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the inmate had been held at Elmwood Correctional Facility since September 30 on charges of felony elder abuse, grand theft, and fraud. He was taken to the hospital on October 1 after experiencing chest pains.
Despite the emergency life-saving efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at 5:27 p.m. on Sunday.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased, as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Although there is no evidence of foul play, the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit has initiated an official investigation, which is standard procedure in cases of in-custody fatalities.
