A 23-year-old man has been booked on suspicion of murder for allegedly beating a cell mate to death while both were in custody at the San Diego County Sheriff‘s Central Detention Facility, authorities said Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Joshua David McDaniels, allegedly used his fists and feet to beat the 69-year-old victim, striking him repeatedly in the head, about 7:20 p.m. Friday at the facility at 1173 Front St. in San Diego, sheriff’s Lt. Kenn Nelson said.
The attack was unprovoked, Nelson said.
Deputies on duty responded to the cell where the victim and suspect were housed and removed McDaniels while first aid was administered to the older man, Nelson said.
The victim was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the lieutenant said.
The medical examiner ruled the death to be a homicide caused by blunt force trauma, Nelson said.
The victim’s name has not been released pending family notifications.
McDaniels’ arraignment is pending, according to Nelson.
It’s unclear why the men were incarcerated.
— City News Service
