The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office announced that it is investigating the in-custody death of 73-year-old Gustavo Ramirez of Rialto. According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office, Ramirez, who was an inmate at the West Valley Detention Center, was released from the hospital on December 2, 2023 around 2 a.m. after being treated for injuries sustained during a fall inside his cell.

Approximately an hour after being discharged, Ramirez was taken back to the hospital and admitted. Authorities say he suffered multiple pre-existing health issues and his condition continued to worsen. Ramirez was hospitalized for the next two weeks.

On December 16, 2023, around 1 a.m., Ramirez went into cardiac arrest at the hospital and was pronounced deceased at 1:47 a.m. Authorities say an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

The Sheriff’s Office Specialized Investigations Division responded and will take over the investigation. Ramirez was initially arrested on May 21, 2018 for sexual assault related charges and remained in custody until his death.