Inmate dead after apparent suicide at Merced County jail, deputies say

An inmate was found dead Tuesday morning at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in Merced County after an apparent suicide, the Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

Sgt. Delray Shelton said the incident was reported Tuesday morning at the jail just outside El Nido at 2584 W. Sandy Mush Road.

Few details were available regarding the death, including the inmate’s identity. Investigators were working to notify the man’s family Tuesday. Shelton declined to comment on the nature of the pending case against the inmate until his family had been informed of his death.

The 36-year-old man was found by inmates in the shower area of his jail dormitory, after he apparently hanged himself, Shelton said.

Shelton said investigators were still looking into the death Tuesday afternoon.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 12:01 PM with the headline "Inmate dead after apparent suicide at Merced County jail, deputies say."