In-custody death of an inmate at the Theo Lacy Jail

ORANGE, Ca. (September 2, 2020) – On Tuesday, September 1, 2020 an inmate housed at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

The 26-year-old inmate was transferred to the hospital on August 29, 2020 for medical treatment of a self-inflicted injury sustained prior to a mental health evaluation. The inmate resisted when deputies attempted to transfer him for the mental health evaluation, and a use of force occurred. Correctional Health Services determined the self-inflicted injury required additional medical treatment at a local hospital. At the hospital, the inmate experienced medical distress, became unresponsive and ultimately died.

The inmate, Paul Gill, was transferred to Orange County Jail custody on August 14, 2020 by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Gill had multiple active warrants from multiple Orange County agencies for residential burglary, thefts and weapons-related charges.

Gill was not exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.

Per protocol, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the in-custody death. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an in-custody death review. No additional information will be released at this time.