The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are investigating an in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility per the county law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol.
On Monday, July 25, 2022, at about 10:32 PM, Contra Costa deputy sheriffs arrested 54-year-old Kent Hickey of Martinez for having a felony bench warrant for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine for sale, and possession of a controlled substance for sale. The bench warrant, with $50,000 bail and a mandatory court appearance, was issued pursuant to a Concord Police Department investigation.
On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, Hickey was taken to court where he was remanded into custody. He was assigned a room by himself at 3:49 PM. A deputy sheriff checked his room at 4:03 PM. During another room check at 4:25 PM, the deputy sheriff found Hickey hanging from a bedsheet. The deputy called for assistance and removed the bedsheet. Deputies and jail medical staff performed life-saving measures. The fire department and an ambulance also responded. Hickey was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441.
For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
