An inmate at the Jefferson County Detention Center died after being found hanging in his cell, the sheriff’s department said Friday.
Joseph Eugene Martinez, 46, was found by his cellmate at 3:45 p.m. Thursday. Sheriff’s deputies immediately began administering CPR and called for additional medical assistance, but Martinez was pronounced dead about 20 minutes later.
Martinez, who was booked into jail on Tuesday, was being held on burglary and probation violation charges in Wheat Ridge.
The death is under investigation by the sheriff’s office.
“We are working with the coroner’s office on the cause and manner of the death,” said Jacki Kelley, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office. “The investigation will likely be done next week.”
Anna Gauldin: 303-954-1666, agauldin@denverpost.com
