MCSO Initiates In-Custody Death Investigation Protocol At Multnomah County Detention Center - 03/26/26
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is conducting an in-custody death investigation.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, deputies assigned to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) responded to a medical incident within the facility involving a 65-year-old man.
Deputies and Multnomah County Health Department Corrections Health personnel performed lifesaving measures. Paramedics from the Portland Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response (AMR) continued medical care and took the person to the hospital where he later died on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
“A death in our custody is something we take very seriously, and I recognize the impact on the person’s family and those who are affected by this loss,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “While this investigation is in the early stages, we are committed to a thorough review. As the investigation progresses, and details are finalized by the medical examiner's office, we remain committed to sharing information in accordance with our transparency standards and state law.”
In accordance with standard protocol, MCSO requested assistance from the East County Major Crimes Team to conduct a death investigation.
The man who died entered MCSO custody on February 19, 2026, after being booked into jail by the Gresham Police Department.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading the death investigation. The person’s identity will be released once their family has been notified.
Information about how and why the person died will be shared after the medical examiner completes its investigation, which will include an autopsy and toxicology analysis.
No additional information can be released at this time.
The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department and Oregon State Police.
The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.
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