Marchers In San Jose Protest Death Of Inmate In Santa Clara County Jail
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- About 100 people marched Friday afternoon in San Jose to protest the death of a Santa Clara County jail inmate, which allegedly occurred at the hands of three correctional deputies, according to organizers.
Organizers held the march to protest the death of jail inmate Michael James Tyree and show support for current inmates, Silicon Valley De-Bug director Raj Jayadev said.
The noon protest included public defenders, family members of inmates, local residents and community groups such as the NAACP, Jayadev said.
The hour-long march started in front of the jail, went past the courthouse and ended in the parking lot between the district attorney's office and the jail, Jayadev said.
He said protesters marched there so inmates looking out of the jail could see them.
"They were pounding on the windows in an act of solidarity," Jayadev said of the inmates.
Tyree, 31, died of blunt force trauma on the sixth floor of the jail in a wing for inmates who have special needs or are in protective custody, according to Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith.
Three deputies, Rafael Rodriguez, Jereh Lubrin and Matthew Farris, were arrested Thursday in connection with Tyree's death on suspicion of murder, conspiracy and assault under the color of authority, Smith said.
They are being held without bail and are scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
Tyree was being held on suspicion of misdemeanor theft and drug possession charges, Smith said.
Community members met with the sheriff Thursday to ask what changes will occur so a similar incident doesn't happen again. Jayadev didn't say what response the sheriff gave them.
"I think the incident suggests that there should be" changes, Santa Clara County Assistant Public Defender and spokesman J.J. Kapp said.
The incident suggests that a larger problem exists, he said.
The sheriff announced today that she is asking for money from the county to expand and update the camera system at the main jail and Elmwood jail.
Sheriff's officials have also asked the FBI to comment on operations within the sheriff's office.
The county board of supervisors will meet in closed session Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the county's exposure to a lawsuit in the death. The board will meet on the 10th floor of the County Government Center at 70 W. Hedding St. in San Jose.
The public will have a chance to address the board before the meeting.
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