Fil-Am guard among 3 suspects in California inmate’s death

MANILA, Philippines – Jereh Lubrin, 28, a Filipino American jail guard, was one of 3 arrested on September 4, after an inmate under their watch was found dead.

According to an Associated Press (AP) report, the other guards involved in the alleged crime are Rafael Rodriguez, 27, and Matthew Farris 27. The suspects are being held without bail. Authorities did not say where they’re being detained.

Laurie Smith of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as Michael James Pipkin Tyree, 31. Smith apologized to Tyree’s family, saying that “the disappointment and disgust I feel cannot be overstated.”

Tyree was found beat up last September 3 in his jail cell. An AP report said he was covered in his feces and vomit, and was declared dead by paramedics. The suspects were immediately stripped of their weapons, uniforms, and peace officer status, before they were arrested.

The victim was apparently homeless, and was sentenced to 5 days on a petty theft charge, while waiting to be transfered to a mental health facility.

A Los Angeles Times report quoted Smith as saying, “The deputies’ actions are not indicative of the values of this department.” – Rappler.com