The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced on March 26 that it has launched an in-custody death investigation following the death of a 65-year-old man who was held at the Multnomah County Detention Center.
The incident is significant as it raises questions about the circumstances surrounding deaths in custody and highlights the protocols law enforcement agencies follow when such events occur.
According to MCSO, deputies responded to a medical emergency involving the man around 1:30 p.m. on March 25. Corrections Health personnel from the Multnomah County Health Department provided lifesaving measures, and paramedics from Portland Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response continued care before transporting him to a hospital, where he died on March 26.
“A death in our custody is something we take very seriously, and I recognize the impact on the person’s family and those who are affected by this loss,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “While this investigation is in the early stages, we are committed to a thorough review. As the investigation progresses, and details are finalized by the medical examiner’s office, we remain committed to sharing information in accordance with our transparency standards and state law.”
MCSO reported that standard protocol was followed by requesting assistance from the East County Major Crimes Team for an independent investigation. The deceased had entered MCSO custody after being booked into jail by Gresham Police Department on February 19. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading efforts to determine cause of death through autopsy and toxicology analysis; his identity will be released once family notification occurs.
No further information is available while investigations continue. The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from several local law enforcement agencies.