The Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that no criminal charges will be filed in the December 2023 death of Angel Manuel Jimenez, who died while in custody at the Calvert County Detention Center (CCDC). After reviewing evidence compiled by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, as well as conducting independent interviews with forensic pathologists, the office determined there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
A detailed report, including legal analysis and video evidence, was released to the public on November 19, 2024, and shared with Jimenez’s family and their attorney.
Timeline of Events
Jimenez, who was detained on a body attachment for failing to appear at a child support hearing, arrived at the detention center on November 30, 2023. Upon intake, medical staff noted a history of untreated high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia. Over the next few days, Jimenez was prescribed and administered medication for high blood pressure but often refused to take it. He also underwent mental health and medical evaluations per court orders.
On December 4, 2023, Jimenez reported a severe headache and requested medical attention. Correctional Deputy Dakota Cress opened his cell door to escort him for evaluation, but Jimenez charged at Cress, knocking him to the ground. Witnesses, including Correctional Deputies Alexandra Hart and Jarrett Turner, stated that Jimenez actively resisted as staff subdued him and placed him in a restraint chair. Surveillance footage corroborated these accounts.
Events Leading to Death
While restrained, Jimenez was subject to regular checks by medical and correctional staff. However, during a check at approximately 2:20 p.m., officers observed he was unresponsive. Medical staff removed his restraints and initiated CPR, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and administering multiple doses of epinephrine and Narcan. EMS personnel arrived but were unable to revive Jimenez, and he was pronounced dead after 47 minutes of life-saving attempts.
Key Findings
The investigation noted several critical factors:
- Jimenez’s untreated hypertension and history of sickle cell anemia likely contributed to his death.
- Medical staff determined there was no immediate need to transport Jimenez to a hospital after he complained of chest pain on December 2.
- Surveillance footage supported accounts of Jimenez’s violent behavior and resistance to restraint on December 4.
While the State’s Attorney’s Office concluded there was no evidence of criminal negligence or misconduct, it acknowledged that Jimenez’s death was a tragic outcome of his medical conditions and the physical altercation.
Public Release and Family Notification
The report and video evidence, now publicly available, provide a comprehensive review of the events. Jimenez’s family has been given access to these materials and their attorney has been informed of the findings.
