Oakland Woman Found Dead at Santa Rita Jail

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A 36-year-old Oakland woman was found dead in the bathroom of the public lobby at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California on Saturday morning. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office stated there were no signs of foul play, but drugs may have been a contributing factor in the woman's death.

Why it matters

The death of Dequita Grace Harrell at a county jail facility raises concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals waiting for the release of incarcerated loved ones, as well as the need for improved mental health and addiction resources within the criminal justice system.

The details

According to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, Harrell was found unresponsive in the women's restroom in the public lobby of Santa Rita Jail around 5:25 a.m. on Saturday. Deputies attempted life-saving measures but Harrell was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office stated that Harrell was waiting for the release of an incarcerated individual, and that while there were no signs of foul play, drugs may have been a contributing factor in her death.

• Harrell was found unresponsive in the jail's public lobby around 5:25 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

What’s next

The official cause of Harrell's death will be determined by a forensic pathologist as part of the ongoing investigation.