An investigation is underway after an inmate died in custody at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. The individual, identified as James Gonzales, 45, was booked into the facility on July 11, 2026. At 11:12 p.m. on July 17, a medical emergency code was called regarding an inmate in medical distress.
Both MDC and UNM Hospital’s medical team promptly responded and administered life-saving measures, which were successful. At approximately 11:47 p.m., Gonzales was transported to UNM by ambulance. Despite treatment, Gonzales was pronounced deceased two days later at 7:43 am on July 19.
Officials say Gonzales had no next of kin. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which is also under investigation by the MDC Office of Professional Standards.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
