Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/ Homicide Unit
Department of Detention and Corrections
- Detention Investigation Unit (DIU)

Cesar Gonzales-Espana
DOB: 01/01/1975
Address: Pinellas County Jail -14400 49th Street North, Clearwater

What: 
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the death of a Pinellas County Jail inmate.

When: 
The inmate was transported to the hospital at about 8:10 p.m. on August 11, 2018.
                   
The inmate died at about 4:44 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018.

Where: 
The medical episode occurred at the Pinellas County Jail located at 14400 49^th Street North, Clearwater.

The inmate died at Northside Hospital located at 6000 49^th Street North, St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
At approximately 8:10 p.m. on August 11, 2018, 43-year-old inmate Cesar Gonzales-Espana suffered a medical episode and was vomiting blood in his assigned housing area of the Pinellas County Jail.

Paramedics responded to the jail and transported Gonzales-Espana to Northside Hospital.

There were no obvious signs of injuries on the inmate's person and no incidents of confrontation or use of force.

Detectives say on Monday, August 13, 2018, Gonzales-Espana underwent surgery related to his medical issue. During the surgery, Gonzales-Espana suffered complications and died at about 4:44 p.m.

Detectives say Gonzales-Espana was being treated for a pre-existing medical issue. His death does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

Gonzales-Espana was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on June 2, 2018, under a United States Marshals hold. The inmate was awaiting sentencing for a Smuggling Cocaine federal criminal charge.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Cesar Gonzales-Espana booking photograph.