Man Dies in Custody at Oakland Courthouse Holding Cell

Man Found Unresponsive at Oakland Courthouse on Wednesday

A 27-year-old man died on Wednesday while in custody at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, California, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s officials identified the man as Enrique Gonsalez-Cruz of Oakland. Authorities reported that he was found unresponsive in a holding cell at the courthouse with a ligature around his neck. He was transported from the courthouse to a local hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead at 2:31 p.m.

Circumstances in Holding Cell and Custody Status

A source stated that Gonsalez-Cruz had been alone in the holding cell prior to being found unresponsive. The source did not specify the type of material used as the ligature. Sheriff’s officials confirmed that his family has been notified of his death.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office reported to attorney Kara Janssen that Gonsalez-Cruz came into custody on December 12 and had several brief incarcerations at Santa Rita Jail. Each time he was in custody, he was categorized as an “AFBH LOC 1” client, which the sheriff’s office described as the lowest level, generally indicating a stable status. The sheriff’s office further stated that he had no reported mental health symptoms or history, and no reported history of suicidal ideations or attempts. Janssen said she had not independently verified this information.

Arrest Details and Ongoing Procedures

Before his death at the Oakland courthouse, Gonsalez-Cruz had been arrested by California Highway Patrol officers from the Oakland Division. He faced charges of vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. Following that arrest, he was booked into Santa Rita Jail on December 12.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stated that Gonsalez-Cruz’s death is the third in-custody death in Alameda County this year. A forensic pathologist will determine the official cause of death. Authorities have not released additional findings regarding the incident at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse.