Inmate dies in custody at Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent

An inmate in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died Thursday morning at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center detention facility.

The inmate, a 29-year-old California man, was found unresponsive at 6:49 a.m. by staff during a routine security check, according to a King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention media release.

Jail staff responded immediately, initiating life-saving measures and contacting Medic One. The man was pronounced dead at 6:53 a.m. The man had been booked into the King County Correctional Facility on April 19.

A determination regarding the cause and manner of death is pending from the King County Medical Examiner’s office. 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 King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention will be working with Public Health - Seattle & King County to conduct an investigation.

The Kent Police Department is conducting an independent investigation.

Detectives from the Kent Police Department Major Crimes Unit were summoned to the corrections facility at the request of the King County Sheriff's Office, the agency that oversees jail operations, according to a Kent Police media release. The two agencies maintain an agreement regarding such investigations at this site.

The results from the medical examination and other tests may not be known for days or weeks. Information regarding the man’s identity will not be released until family notifications have been made by their office.

In the meantime, detectives will continue to interview staff and inmates in an effort to define what led to the man’s death.

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