Inmate Dies in LaPlata County Jail

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 12:00 AM

Due to the inmate not listing any next of kin, the Sheriff’s Office and Coroner are having difficulty in locating and notifying family members. The Sheriff’s Office will only say he is a 67 year old white male. The man took part in roll call Sunday morning and was given his breakfast tray. He was not ready to turn in his tray during collection. When Deputies returned about 10 minutes later to get his tray, they looked inside and saw the man was unresponsive. They immediately began life saving efforts. When Paramedics arrived, they continued life saving efforts. The man was transp

From the LaPlata Co. Sheriff's office:

La Plata County Sheriff’s Office asked Durango Police Department to assist in an investigation of the death of a La Plata County Sheriff’s Office Detentions inmate on Sunday.

The inmate who was serving a court ordered sentence had been in the jail for about 11 months.

The La Plata County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy to be performed Tuesday. When toxicology results are done a cause of death will determined. The man was locked, alone, in a single cell at the time of the incident. No foul play is suspected.

The man took part in roll call Sunday morning and was given his breakfast tray. He was not ready to turn in his tray during collection. When Deputies returned about 10 minutes later to get his tray, they looked inside and saw the man was unresponsive. They immediately began life saving efforts. When Paramedics arrived, they continued life saving efforts. The man was transported to Mercy Hospital in Durango where he died.

Following standard protocols, the Sheriff’s Office is conducting an internal investigation in addition to the independent investigation by Durango Police Department.

The man’s identity will be released once family is notified.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.