Female inmate dies at King County jail in Kent

Published 5:33 pm Monday, September 20, 2010

A 42-year-old female inmate died Monday morning at the King County jail at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.

The woman was found at 9:05 a.m. Monday by jail staff during a routine security check, according to a media release from the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention.

Staff responded immediately, initiated life saving measures and called 911. Paramedics arrived at 9:14 a.m. to continue response efforts until the woman was pronounced dead at 9:40 a.m.

The woman was booked Sept. 5 into the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle. She was transferred Sept. 14 to the Maleng Regional Justice Center.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death. 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 will conduct an independent investigation.