A Santa Ana inmate who was attacked by his cellmate earlier this month has died, authorities confirmed Friday.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) identified the victim as 38-year-old Juan Vasquez Pulido, a man with no known permanent residence.
Arrest and Attack in Holding Cell
Pulido was arrested by Anaheim police on Feb. 5 on drug-related charges and was booked into the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana. Later that same day, he was placed in a holding cell alongside 23-year-old Irving Josue Morales.
While awaiting housing in the booking loop of the facility, Morales suddenly assaulted Pulido, leaving him unconscious.
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Officials have not disclosed whether any weapons were involved in the attack or how much time passed before Pulido was discovered. When deputies found him unresponsive, they immediately provided medical assistance before paramedics arrived to transport him to a hospital.
Hospitalization and Death
Once hospitalized, Pulido was placed into a medically induced coma as doctors fought to stabilize his condition. However, after spending 16 days in the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Morales had initially been charged with attempted murder, but authorities indicated that additional charges may now be filed against him following Pulido’s death.
Ongoing Investigation
Both the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department are conducting separate investigations into the in-custody death. Officials have not provided further details, and no additional information has been released at this time .
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