Specialized detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of Odiakosa Sylvester Obazeh, a 40-year-old resident of Chino Hills, who died after suffering a medical emergency while in custody at the West Valley Detention Center. The incident began on April 3 at approximately 2:03 a.m., when deputies and jail medical staff responded to Obazeh being found unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted before he was transported by American Medical Response personnel to a local hospital, where he remained unresponsive until his death was pronounced by hospital staff on April 12.
The case is significant as it involves an in-custody fatality without obvious signs of trauma or suspicious circumstances, according to authorities. The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail has assumed responsibility for the investigation. Obazeh had been arrested and booked into the detention center on March 9 by the Chino Hills Sheriff Station for a charge under PC273.6(A). Officials said that no further information is available while the investigation continues.
Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus leads the department overseeing this investigation, according to the official website. Dicus serves as sheriff-coroner for San Bernardino County and is described as a notable figure within the agency according to the official website.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department serves more than 2.1 million residents through its network of 15 patrol stations and operates facilities such as dispatch centers handling numerous service calls according to its official website. The department states that it focuses on providing collaborative law enforcement services tailored to community needs through professional means according to its official website. Additionally, it maintains a historical society museum dedicated to preserving its heritage according to its official website.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Matthew Lee at Specialized Investigations Division or use anonymous reporting options provided by We-Tip or online platforms.
