Oxnard Man, 32, Hangs Himself in County Jail Cell
An inmate at the Ventura County Jail committed suicide Monday afternoon, hanging himself from a jail cell sprinkler head, Sheriff’s Department officials said.
James Hugh Thompson, 32, of Oxnard was found about 2 p.m. during a routine cell check.
Deputy Coroner Mitch Breese said it was unclear exactly when Thompson died. An autopsy will be conducted today.
Thompson left a note, but officers on duty Monday said they did not know the content or to whom it was addressed.
Thompson was arrested by Oxnard police Saturday for obstruction of justice and resisting arrest, Sheriff’s Department officials said. He was booked into the jail about 5:30 a.m. and was expected to be arraigned today or Wednesday.
Authorities said Thompson was an unemployed farm laborer who had prior arrests for a variety of offenses.
“He had a long record,” said Sgt. Toby Weidenheimer. “He had been arrested for several felonies.”
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