A 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — has died while in custody after hanging himself in the Big Bear Jail. (File Photo).
By G. T. Houts
Big Bear Lake, CA – Homicide detectives are investigating the in-custody death by suicide of a 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — while incarcerated in the Big Bear Jail, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.
DEADLY WEAPON ARREST
The release reported that on Saturday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. Mesa arrived at the Big Bear Station to provide a statement regarding an assault with a deadly weapon investigation. Mesa had been named as the suspect. Following the interview, Mesa was arrested and booked into the Big Bear Jail at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake.
At 8:15 p.m., the jail deputy observed Mesa, and Mesa acknowledged the deputy, according to information provided by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.
Thirty-five minutes later, at 8:50 p.m., the jail deputy was conducting his observation logs when he saw Mesa hanging from the top of the bunk, with his shoelaces tied around his neck. Deputies promptly cut the shoelaces from his neck, called for medical aid and began CPR. Fire personnel responded and transported Mesa to Bear Valley Community Hospital.
PASSING OF INMATE
On Sunday, March 29, at 1:30 a.m. Mesa was transferred to Riverside Community Hospital.
Two days later — Tuesday, March 31, at 9:19 p.m. — Mesa was pronounced dead. The Riverside County Coroner conducted an autopsy on Wednesday, April 1. The cause of death was determined to be Anoxic Encephalopathy due to hanging.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Persons with information regarding the in-custody death investigation are urged to contact Detective Eddie Bachman at (909) 387-3589.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online on WE-TIP. (384)