Elderly Inmate Found Dead in San Diego Jail

News Summary

An 82-year-old inmate, Karim Talib, was found unresponsive in his cell at the San Diego Central Jail during medication distribution. Despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. Talib had been facing serious charges and had an upcoming court hearing. His death marks the seventh in-custody fatality in San Diego County jails in 2025, raising concerns over the treatment of elderly inmates and mental health issues in the jail system. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing.

San Diego – An 82-year-old inmate, Karim Talib, was found unresponsive in his cell at the San Diego Central Jail on July 28, 2025. The discovery was made around 8:40 a.m. during routine medication distribution by deputies and a facility nurse. Despite immediate efforts to revive him, including CPR and a 9-1-1 call for emergency assistance, Talib was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m.

Talib had been in custody since May 27, facing serious charges such as mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse. At the time of his death, he had an upcoming court hearing to address concerns regarding his mental competency. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has expressed condolences to Talib’s family and others affected by this incident. A Sheriff’s Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family during this difficult time.

In accordance with standard procedure for all in-custody deaths, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Talib’s death. Additionally, the incident is under review by the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board, which is responsible for overseeing civilian complaints against law enforcement in San Diego. The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office will determine and publicly announce the cause and manner of Talib’s death.

The unexpected death of Karim Talib marks the seventh in-custody fatality in San Diego County jails in 2025. This alarming trend has drawn increasing scrutiny to the jail system, particularly regarding the treatment of inmates with mental health issues. Advocacy groups and community members have been voicing their concerns over the high rates of in-custody deaths and the urgent need for improved mental health care facilities and resources within the jails.

Talib’s case is particularly notable given his age and the nature of his charges. At 82 years old, he was among the elderly population in custody, which raises further questions about the health and mental well-being of older inmates within the correctional system. As oversight bodies and community advocates assess these recent incidents, there is a growing demand for reform and enhanced support services aimed at protecting vulnerable inmate populations.

As investigations continue, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and other relevant agencies will face increased pressure to provide transparent information regarding the health services available to inmates, the circumstances surrounding deaths in custody, and the overall safety of individuals incarcerated within the San Diego jail system.

This latest death underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of inmates, particularly the elderly and those dealing with mental health challenges, in San Diego County jails. The response from law enforcement and the community may play a crucial role in shaping future policies and practices aimed at preventing such tragedies from occurring again.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 San Diego
• Wikipedia: In-custody Death
• San Diego Union Tribune
• Google Search: Inmate Health and Safety in Jails
• CBS 8 News
• Google Scholar: Mental Health in Jails
• NBC San Diego
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jail System Health