Sheriff’s officials identify 82-year-old man who died in San Diego jail cell

An 82-year-old man who died after he was found unresponsive in his San Diego Central Jail cell earlier this week was identified Friday.

Karim Talib, of San Diego, was discovered by the staff at the jail when they were distributing medication around 8:40 a.m. Monday, Lt. Juan Marquez said. Paramedics arrived and pronounced him dead about 30 minutes later.

“The San Diego Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to the Talib family and all those affected by Mr. Talib’s passing,” Marquez said. “A sheriff’s family liaison officer will continue to support the family as they navigate through this difficult time.”

Marquez said the man had been in custody since May 27, and was facing allegations of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse. He was jailed pending a court hearing related to his mental competency.

The Sheriff’s Office said the jail death is being investigated by its homicide division, as are all in-custody deaths. It is also being reviewed by the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board, the county’s civilian oversight body.

He is the seventh person to die at a San Diego County jail this year.