East County News Service

June 19,2025 (Santee) – A woman who died at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee on June 13 has been identified as Linda Bagby, 53, of El Cajon.  This is the sixth in-custody death this year at detention facilities in San Diego County.

Deputies were serving dinner when they found Bagby unresponsive in her cell, according to Lieutenant Juan Marquez.

 Upon observing the situation, the deputies immediately activated 9-1-1, requested assistance from the facility's medical staff and began CPR. Paramedics and the Santee Fire Department assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival,” he says.   Despite their efforts, Bagby was pronounced deceased at the detention facility at about 4:35 p.m. 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of the San Diego Sheriff's Dept.

August 1, 2023 (Ramona) – Jonathan McDowell, 47, of Ramona died at Scripps Mercy Hospital on July 29, 10 days after he was found unresponsive in his cell at the George Bailey detention facility. The Medical Examiner’s autopsy has concluded that McDowell died of asphyxia due to hanging and that his death was a suicide.

A statement from the Sheriff’s department says,  “We extend our sympathies to the McDowell family and those affected by his death. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they deal with the loss of a loved one.”

McDowell was arrested on Feb. 20 on charges of assaulting a peace officer with a gun,  attempted murder, and committing a felony while  on bail or release.