SANTA CRUZ—A man in custody for domestic violence-related charges at Santa Cruz County Main Jail was found dead inside his cell Sunday, Sheriff’s spokeswoman Ashley Keehn announced.
According to Keehn, correctional officers found Tamario Rashawn Smith, 21, unresponsive inside his cell around 6pm.
The officers performed lifesaving measures and called paramedics. He was pronounced dead at the jail, Keehn said.
Smith did not have symptoms related to COVID-19. A forensic pathologist is performing an autopsy and toxicology test to determine cause and manner of death, Keehn said.
Smith did not share a cell with anyone. There is no foul play suspected, and he showed no signs of trauma or visible injuries, Keehn said.
