District Attorney’s Conclusion on the Death of Inmate in Northern Branch Santa Barbara County Jail

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced [Wednesday] that the legal analysis of the death of Jaime Angel Gonzalez, age 33, occurring on December 28, 2022, while in the custody of the Santa Barbara County Jail has concluded.

PUBLIC REPORT ON THE DEATH OF JAIME ANGEL GONZALEZ IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY JAIL ON DECEMBER 28, 2022

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has completed its review of the investigation, conducted by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (“SBSO”), of the death of Jaime Angel Gonzalez, age 33, occurring on December 28, 2022, shortly after being in the custody of the northern branch of the Santa Barbara County Jail.

The following analysis is based upon investigative, autopsy, toxicology and coroner’s reports; video and audio recordings; photographs; and witness interviews collected during the investigation conducted by the SBSO and submitted to this office by SBSO Detective Ruben Esparza.

Autopsy results revealed Gonzalez’s cause of death was methamphetamine intoxication. Other significant conditions were dilated cardiomyopathy, obesity, and physical restraint. His manner of death was determined to be accident. After review of the investigation, the Office of the District Attorney concludes the physical force used by SBSO staff to restrain Gonzalez prior to his accidental death was reasonable and lawful, and they bear no state criminal liability.

The full detailed analysis is posted on the Office of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney website at https://da.countyofsb.org/documents/Gonzalez%20ICD%20final.pdf

SBCDistrictAttorney

Written by SBCDistrictAttorney

Press releases written by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office. Learn more at da.countyofsb.org

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