Incarcerated man dies following violent attack, suspects facing murder charges
A 23-year-old man has died at a Santa Clara County hospital after being brutally assaulted at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas last week. Despite the best efforts of medical staff and emergency personnel, he did not survive his injuries. The victim’s body was released to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office Tuesday afternoon.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time,” Sheriff Robert Jonsen said. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face and the importance of our efforts to improve safety and support within our facilities.”
Three incarcerated suspects have been identified as responsible for the violent attack on Monday, January 27. They are now facing murder and torture charges.
This tragedy highlights the unique challenges of managing safety in a jail setting. The Sheriff’s Office has established protocols designed to maintain security, with staff conducting frequent checks to monitor activity, well-being, and deter violence. Despite these precautions, incidents can still occur. Our staff responded immediately, following established protocols to contain the situation.
“We are taking every measure possible to prevent such incidents from happening again,” Jonsen said. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in our custody.”
Safety continues to be a top priority. The Sheriff’s Office is focused on maintaining communication between staff and those in custody to help prevent violence. Any violation of the law or jail rules will not be tolerated.
The Sheriff’s Office is also exploring innovative solutions to enhance security, improve processes, and leverage technology to strengthen overall safety and security within the aging facility.
Comprehensive criminal and administrative investigations are underway. The Sheriff’s Office is fully cooperating with the Office of Correction and Law Enforcement Monitoring to ensure we conduct a thorough review of our safety protocols.
Support services, including clergy and mental health resources, have been made available to those affected by the incident.
“We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to ensure those responsible for this violent attack are held accountable,” Jonsen said. “We remain committed to transparency and will keep the public informed as we learn more about this incident."