Press Release: Monterey County Sheriff's Office Investigating Incarcerated Person Death
DATE/TIME: 3/30/25 at 1:45 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Incarcerated Person Death
LOCATION: Monterey County Jail, Salinas, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an assault at the Monterey County Jail that has left one incarcerated person dead.
At approximately 6:08 AM on March 30, 2025, deputies responded to a disturbance in one of the jail housing units. Upon entering the housing unit, deputies located an incarcerated male that had been assaulted by another incarcerated male. Deputies and jail medical staff immediately began administering emergency aid. The victim was transported to Natividad Medical Center for advanced medical care where he was later pronounced deceased.
Deputies were able to identify the suspect as 38-year-old Saul Roberto Espinoza of Palmdale, CA. Espinoza is currently in custody serving a sentence for Vehicle Theft with Priors, Providing False Information to a Peace Officer, and Possession of Stolen Property.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division is conducting a comprehensive criminal investigation of the victim’s death. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Coroner’s Division of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office to assist in determining the victim’s cause and manner of death.
Additional charges against Espinoza are pending as this is an active and ongoing investigation.
The victim’s name is not being released pending family notification.
Media inquiries should be directed to Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, Commander Andres Rosas.