The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department announced on April 26 that an inmate at the Robert Presley Detention Center died following a medical emergency. The incident began on April 24, when deputies responded to an inmate in distress inside a holding cell.
The event raises questions about health and safety protocols for individuals held in county detention centers. Officials said custody staff and jail medical personnel provided immediate aid before paramedics transported the inmate to a local hospital.
According to the department, “On April 25, 2026, the inmate’s medical condition continued to decline, and he was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.” Investigators from both the Corrections Central Investigations Bureau and Coroner’s Bureau have taken over the investigation. The deceased has been identified as Brian Waterman, age 38, of Jurupa Valley. Authorities stated there were no signs of foul play and that Waterman’s family has been notified.
The sheriff’s department said the investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Brett Devine at (951) 955–7019.
Broader attention continues on custodial health incidents nationwide as agencies review procedures for responding to emergencies within correctional facilities.
