Orange County Inmate Arrested for Arson, Attempted Murder Dies During Hospital Stay
Inmate’s Background
A 72-year-old Orange County inmate passed away during his hospital stay on Sunday, officials confirmed. The inmate was booked into the Theo Lacy Facility, a maximum security jail, on March 9, 2019. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Arrest and Charges
Westminster Police arrested the 72-year-old for attempted murder, arson to an inhabited structure/dwelling, arson causing great bodily injury, and aggravated arson with a prior. The inmate remained in custody for three years before being transported to the hospital for further medical treatment on September 9, 2022.
Hospital Stay and Death
The inmate remained hospitalized until he was pronounced dead around 9:17 a.m. on February 9, 2025. Preliminary investigation suggests that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the inmate’s death. A final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. The sheriff’s department stated that no additional information was available as of Monday afternoon.
Conclusion
The death of the 72-year-old Orange County inmate serves as a reminder of the importance of proper care and treatment for inmates in custody. While the preliminary investigation suggests no suspicious circumstances, a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
FAQs
Q: What was the inmate charged with?
A: The inmate was charged with attempted murder, arson to an inhabited structure/dwelling, arson causing great bodily injury, and aggravated arson with a prior.
Q: How long was the inmate in custody before being transported to the hospital?
A: The inmate was in custody for approximately three years before being transported to the hospital on September 9, 2022.
Q: What is the cause of the inmate’s death?
A: Preliminary investigation suggests no suspicious circumstances, and a final cause of death will be determined following an independent autopsy and toxicology.
Q: Who will investigate the in-custody death?
A: The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review.
