In-Custody Death Investigation Underway

Unresponsive inmate in cell leads to in-custody death investigation

INDIO — On Monday, May 22 at 3:33 p.m., deputies assigned to the John J. Benoit Detention Center found an unresponsive male inmate in a holding cell. The decedent has been identified as 41-year-old Ruben Guzman.

Custody staff and jail medical personnel immediately administered life-saving measures. Paramedics and Riverside Fire personnel responded and assumed life-saving measures. The male was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

Deputies secured the area and began an investigation. Investigators from the Corrections Intelligence Bureau responded and assumed the investigation. At this time, there are no signs of foul play.

On Friday, May 26, 2023, investigators were notified the inmate had passed away at a local hospital despite ongoing medical intervention.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator John Layos at (951) 922-7152.

This is at least the sixth in-custody death in Riverside County this year,

In 2022, 18 individuals died while incarcerated in Riverside County jails, the highest number for the County in the past 15 years, according to the ACLU of Southern California. By comparison, San Diego County had 19 in-custody deaths in 2022, despite an average daily jail population of 500 more people than Riverside County. Impacted families and local organizations have called attention to the high number of deaths.