Oakland woman found dead at Santa Rita Jail

A woman was found dead at Santa Rita Jail on Saturday morning, according to an Alameda County Sheriff’s Office press release.

The woman was identified as 36-year-old Dequita Grace Harrell of Oakland. She was found unresponsive in the women’s restroom in the public lobby of the jail around 5:25 a.m. Deputies attempted life-saving measures and requested emergency personnel, but Harrell was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff’s office stated that Harrell was waiting for the release of an incarcerated individual. They also stated there were no signs of foul play, but drugs may have been a contributing factor. The official cause of death will be determined by a forensic pathologist.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.