Santa Maria, Calif. – The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an inmate at the Northern Branch Jail (NBJ). The deceased, identified as 54-year-old Juan Lara from Santa Maria, was found unresponsive in his cell.
Lara had been booked into NBJ on June 26, 2025, by the Santa Maria Police Department. He faced charges for possession of methamphetamine with two prior convictions (felony), along with misdemeanor charges related to narcotics and paraphernalia possession, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $20,000. During the booking process, he was evaluated by medical staff.
On June 28, 2025, around 10:45 pm, a custody deputy discovered Lara unresponsive during a routine security check in his cell located in the B Unit of NBJ. Efforts to revive him included administering Narcan and using an Automated External Defibrillator by custody deputies and Wellpath staff. County Fire and AMR took over medical care upon arrival but were unable to resuscitate him. An AMR paramedic pronounced Lara deceased.
The Sheriff’s Office has launched multiple investigations into this in-custody death, including a Coroner investigation. “The Sheriff’s Office will share additional information as it becomes available.”
