In-Custody Death Of Adelanto Man Under Investigation At West Valley Detention Center
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Authorities are investigating the death of a 26-year-old Adelanto man who was found unresponsive early Sunday morning inside the West Valley Detention Center.
According to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred on April 19, 2026, at approximately 4:55 a.m. when deputies assigned to the facility were alerted to an inmate in medical distress.
The inmate, identified as Mariel Mays, “was found unresponsive,” and deputies “immediately rendered aid along with jail medical staff,” according to the statement.
Medical personnel “initiated lifesaving measures until personnel from American Medical Response and Rancho Cucamonga Fire arrived, who also attempted resuscitation.” Mays was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Officials said the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded and has assumed the investigation.
According to the department, Mays was originally arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on March 24, 2026, by the Adelanto Sheriff’s Station on a PC 245(A)(1) warrant. He was later transferred to the West Valley Detention Center on April 14, 2026.
“Mays did not have obvious signs of trauma,” officials stated. “His cause and manner of death will be determined after an autopsy.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details have been released.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jacob Angelini of the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
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