The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office announced on Mar. 18 that it is investigating the death of Drahkee House, a 45-year-old man who died while in custody at the San Diego Central Jail. House was transported to a local hospital after experiencing medical distress early on March 15 and was pronounced dead at approximately 5:20 a.m.
House had been incarcerated since April 22, 2024, following his arrest by the California Highway Patrol for possession of an illegal weapon. Additional charges were later filed by both the California Highway Patrol and the San Diego Police Department, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. He had recently been found guilty of several charges and was awaiting sentencing scheduled for May 2026.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, “On March 15, 2026, at around 4:20 a.m., several incarcerated persons at the San Diego Central Jail alerted deputies that Mr. House had fainted and was in medical distress. Deputies located Mr. House in the dayroom area, where he was disoriented but responsive. He was immediately escorted to the facility’s medical clinic for evaluation.” Paramedics and fire department personnel responded and transported him to a nearby hospital; lifesaving measures were initiated en route but were unsuccessful.
“The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to his family and all those affected by his passing. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family during this difficult time,” said officials in their statement.
The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board has been notified about the incident as part of standard protocol for all in-custody deaths. The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into all aspects of this case, while the Medical Examiner’s Office will determine cause and manner of death.
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A final determination regarding House’s cause of death will be made by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
