Local News

Multi-Agency Investigation Underway Into Weekend Jail Death

BEND, OR --  An investigation is underway into the weekend death of a Deschutes County Jail inmate. Thirty-five-year-old Eben Kaneshiro was discovered unresponsive in his cell, early Sunday morning.

 

According to District Attorney John Hummel, an autopsy will be conducted later today. Hummel suspects the man died of asphyxiation.

 

Kaneshiro was found sitting in his cell just after 3:00 a.m. with a sheet tied around his neck. "I need to say that corrections deputies and the crew from Bend Fire and EMS made heroic efforts to save Mr. Kaneshiro’s life," Hummel said at a press conference Monday morning. "I watched the video tape. I saw a rapid, focused response from the on-duty team, and I also saw a look on their faces that revealed the pain they were experiencing. This was difficult for them. [It's] not a good day when that happens."

 

Kaneshiro had been charged with multiple sexual offenses, involving at least one Central Oregon child victim. According to jail staff, Kaneshiro left multiple letters behind, some discussing suicide and one revealing where investigators could find additional evidence relating to sex crimes committed in Portland.

 

Those letters have been forwarded to the Portland Police Bureau. It is unclear how many alleged victims are in the Portland area. 

 

Hummel says the Central Oregon Major Crime Team, lead by Sergeant Jesse Petersen of Redmond Police, will continue to investigate the death. "This morning, I spoke with Sgt. Petersen and I told him to continue with his investigation and to leave no stone unturned," Hummel says. "I have full confidence in Sgt. Petersen and the team he is leading. When the investigation is complete, I will review their findings and make a final decision as to the cause of death."

 

This is the second inmate death in Deschutes County in less than six months. In December, 31-year-old Edwin Mays died of an apparent drug overdose. Oregon's Department of Justice is currently investigating the Mays death and the response by deputies. 

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