San Luis Obispo, CA — A 48-year-old inmate died Saturday morning after suffering a medical emergency at the San Luis Obispo County Jail.
According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, jail and medical staff were distributing medication to incarcerated individuals on Saturday, March 14, when they noticed an inmate in medical distress.
Custody and nursing staff immediately attempted to provide medical aid and began CPR while awaiting paramedics, authorities said.
The inmate, later identified as 48-year-old Trinidad Castilleja of San Luis Obispo, remained unresponsive during the emergency response. Paramedics pronounced him dead at approximately 8:59 p.m., according to the sheriff’s office statement.
Officials said Castilleja had been arrested by the San Luis Obispo Police Department on Dec. 18, 2024, and had been held at the county jail across three separate custody cases. Two of those cases had already been resolved, while he was awaiting sentencing on a third matter at the time of his death.
Authorities also noted Castilleja had been booked into the county jail more than 24 times since 1998.
The cause of death remains unknown pending the results of an autopsy. The sheriff’s office said no foul play is suspected at this time.
Next of kin have been notified, and officials say no additional information is currently available as the investigation continues.
While rare, in-custody deaths often trigger formal reviews due to public safety oversight and jail medical care procedures.
For many local students and workers who commute past the jail near downtown San Luis Obispo, the facility is a visible part of the county’s justice system.
Authorities say updates will be provided if additional details emerge.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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