Monterey County Sheriff's office investigating death of inmate

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating an assault that occurred at the jail on Sunday morning, resulting in the death of one inmate. Deputies responded to a disturbance around 6 AM in a housing unit, where they found a male inmate who had been assaulted.

Emergency aid was administered by deputies and jail medical staff before the victim was transported to Natividad Medical Center for further treatment. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after arriving.

Authorities identified the suspect in the incident as 38-year-old Saul Roberto Espinoza from Palmdale. Espinoza is already serving a sentence for several offenses, including vehicle theft and possession of stolen property, and he now faces additional charges as the investigation progresses.

The Sheriff's Office's Investigations Division is leading a thorough criminal investigation into the inmate's death, with assistance from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office to help determine the cause and manner of death.

The identity of the deceased inmate has not been released, pending notification of their family.