According to a King County press release, an inmate in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died early this morning, Monday, Sept. 20, at the Maleng Regional Justice Center Detention facility. The inmate was found at 9:05 a.m. by staff during a routine security check.
Staff responded immediately, initiating life saving measures and contacting 911 which arrived at 9:14 a.m. to continue response efforts until the person was pronounced dead at 9:40 a.m.
The person, a 42-year-old woman, was booked into the King County Correctional Facility on September 5, 2010. She was later transferred to the Maleng Regional Justice Center on Sept. 14.
A determination regarding the cause and manner of death is pending from the King County Medical Examiner’s office. State law requires that the King County Medical Examiner conduct an autopsy on all in-custody deaths. Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking permission from family members to release further details.
As part of the standard review process for jail-related deaths, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention will work with Public Health – Seattle & King County to conduct an internal investigation. The Kent Police Department will also conduct an independent investigation.
