In Custody Death Investigation

Los Angeles: Police are investigating the death of a suspect arrested on a narcotics charge found dead in his jail cell.

On December 2, 2008, at approximately 4:35 p.m., Central Area Narcotics Enforcement Detail arrested Richard Gharibians, 33, for a narcotics charge. He was booked at Jail Division, Metropolitan Jail Section and housed in a medical segregation cell due to a stated medical condition.

On December 3, 2008, at approximately 1:40 pm, the suspect was observed hanging by a mattress cover used as a ligature attached to a bunk bed. Jail Division personnel immediately removed the ligature and Jail dispensary medical personnel began resuscitative efforts. The suspect did not respond.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced Gharibians dead.

No force was used at the time of the suspect’s arrest or subsequent custody.

A thorough investigation of this in custody death is being conducted by the LAPD Force Investigation Division. That investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, Inspector General and the Los Angeles Police Commission, which has final review authority. The County Coroner’s office will also conduct an investigation as to the cause of death and the office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney will have access to all investigations relative to this incident.