Members of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit and Fresno County District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death of an inmate at the Fresno County Jail.

Shortly after 2:30 am on Friday, October 19th, Fresno County Sheriff’s correctional officers conducted a routine medical check on 54 year old Offette Starnes.  Officers then transported Starnes to the jail’s infirmary for further evaluation and while there he became unconscious.  Medical staff administered CPR to the man as EMS personnel were called to respond.  Medics were able to establish a pulse and transported him to the hospital.  However, around 4:00 am Starnes passed away in the hospital.  

Fresno Police officers booked Starnes into the Fresno County Jail on May 21, 2013.  He was in custody for a charge of murder.  Case # 13-32806.

This remains an ongoing investigation.  A cause of death should be known following the results of toxicology tests.