Inmate dies in sheriff's custody at local hospital
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — An 82-year-old man in the custody of San Diego County Sheriff's died on Friday night at a local hospital, officials confirmed. The man was identified as Thomas Richard Heaven.
According to a press release from the sheriff's office, Heaven was initially transported from San Diego Central Jail to a hospital on March 17, 2025, after experiencing low blood pressure and a high heart rate. His condition required continued medical attention and on April 7, he was moved to the Hospital Guard Unit at another area hospital, where he remained under sheriff's supervision.
San Diego-area veterans tour key memorials in Washington, D.C.
On April 24, Heaven's health reportedly took a turn for the worse due to declining oxygen levels. He was pronounced dead at 11:45 p.m., authorities said. His family has been notified of his death, and a sheriff's family liaison officer has been assigned to provide support.
According to the sheriff's office, Heaven had been awaiting sentencing, scheduled for May, on multiple charges of committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child under the age of 14.
The San Diego County Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board has been informed of the incident. In keeping with department protocol, the sheriff's Homicide Unit has launched an investigation into the in-custody death. An autopsy by the Medical Examiner's Office is scheduled for April 26, 2025. The cause and manner of death remain undetermined at this time.
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