Inmate Dies After Medical Emergency at Riverside County Jail

A 31-year-old inmate died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Christopher Martinez of Norwalk allegedly suffered from the undisclosed issue at around 8:29 p.m. on Saturday in his cell. According to the Sheriff’s Department report, staff provided emergency medical assistance until he could be transferred to a local area hospital, where he ultimately was pronounced dead. 

No additional details about the cause of Martinez's medical emergency have been released as the investigation continues.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office Corrections Central Investigations unit is handling the ongoing investigation. Investigator Art Rodriguez can be reached at (951) 922-7152 for anyone with information about the incident.

The death comes shortly after Riverside County supervisors voted against establishing an oversight committee for the Sheriff's Department. Supervisor Jose Medina had proposed the committee amid ongoing lawsuits filed by families of individuals who have died in county custody.