3 California correctional deputies charged in death of inmate

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ByMatt Keller KGO logo
Thursday, September 3, 2015
3 Santa Clara County deputies arrested for homicide
Three Santa Clara County correctional deputies have been arrested in the death of an inmate at the county jail.

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA -- Three Santa Clara County correctional deputies have been charged in the death of an inmate at the county jail one week ago. The charges against the men include homicide, conspiracy and assault under the color of authority.

A source familiar with the investigation identifies the men as Matthew Farris, Jereh Lubrin and Rafael Rodriguez. Two were arrested at their homes and one turned himself in. They are in custody with no bail. These charges come a week after 31-year-old Michael Tyree was found dead in his cell at the Santa Clara County Jail.

A source familiar with the investigation told ABC7 News, Tyree was heard screaming and saying "I'm sorry," followed by silence. The Mercury News reports a source told them Tyree apparently suffered serious internal injuries consistent with being hit with a firm object.

Tyree is described in court documents as a transient and has been arrested for having drug paraphernalia and theft. He was in the Santa Clara County Jail waiting to be transferred to an adult residential crisis facility, operated by San Jose based Momentum for Mental Health. A bed was not available for him at the time.

Jail documents show a tentative court date has been set for September 8. The case now goes to the district attorney's office.

A news conference is expected this afternoon.