Inmate dies at Santa Rita Jail; homicide investigation launched

An inmate at Santa Rita Jail has died following an incident in his cell. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death as a homicide. Elias Angel Rivera, 37, was found unresponsive late Monday night. Deputies responded after his cellmate activated an emergency call button. Rivera showed visible injuries at the time of his discovery. He was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning. The cause of death is still under investigation. The sheriff’s office has informed the county district attorney and plans to submit a report to the California Attorney General's Office. Rivera had been in custody since May 21, 2022, when he was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was placed in a maximum-security unit at the jail. Further updates on the investigation are expected.