Prisoner found dead at Santa Rita Prison

DUBLIN – An inmate at Santa Rita Jail died on Monday, officials said.

Authorities found the unidentified 39-year-old woman in her holding cell unconscious during a general observation check around 7 pm, according to a statement by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Tya Modeste. A deputy immediately called the doctors and began taking life-saving measures.

Doctors pronounced the woman dead at 7:42 pm.

According to the sheriff’s office, no obvious signs of foul play or trauma were apparent. Modeste said the inmate had an extensive history of addiction and was on abstinence protocols for several substances, including opiates and alcohol.

The woman was registered at the prison on Saturday around 3:30 pm and released by medical and mental health staff, Modeste said. San Leandro police arrested her on a warrant for her arrest on drug sales and additional charges on possession of a controlled substance, Modeste said.