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published: Saturday, March 09, 2013

Jail inmate dies

Special to the News-Sun

SEBRING - It is unknown at this time what killed John Gonzalez, 42, while he was a prisoner at the Highlands County Jail.

Sheriff Susan Benton reports Gonzalez, of Lake Placid, was found unresponsive in his cell in the medical unit of the Highlands County Jail at approximately 10 p.m. Thursday. Detention deputies and on-duty medical staff took immediate first responder action and also notified Emergency Medical Services.

Gonzalez was pronounced dead by EMS shortly after their arrival.

According to Nell Hayes, public information officer, detectives responded to the jail and began a death investigation, which is routine procedure under these circumstances. The autopsy was performed Friday and there was no apparent trauma or findings that would lead to an official cause of death. Now detectives will await final toxicology reports.

Simultaneously, Sheriff's Internal Affairs Unit has begun an administrative review by policy of the in-custody death to evaluate all policies, standard operating procedures, and protocols to ensure a thorough assessment of the circumstances, care, and response provided to Gonzalez.

Benton said, "The family has been notified and we are saddened for them. We commit to a thorough review of the circumstance surrounding Mr. Gonzalez' death".