Inmate, 34, Dies by Apparent Suicide at George Bailey Detention Facility; Eighth In-Custody Death This Year

A 34-year-old man died by an apparent suicide at the George Bailey Detention Facility in Otay Mesa last week, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday in what marks the eighth in-custody death countywide this year.

Brian Andrew Holmes was found hanging in his solo cell at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, during a routine security check, according to a Sheriff's news release. Deputies activated 9-1-1, requested on-site medical staff, and began life-saving measures. CAL FIRE and paramedics continued resuscitation upon arrival, but Holmes was pronounced dead at 4:05 p.m.

Holmes had been arrested by the San Diego Police Department on May 13, 2026, on multiple sexual assault-related charges, including assault with intent to commit rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object, preventing a person from reporting a crime by force, and resisting arrest. He was scheduled to appear in court on October 19.

The Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) was notified. The Sheriff's Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation, and the Medical Examiner's Office will determine cause and manner of death.

"The San Diego County Sheriff's Office extends its sympathies to the Holmes family and all those affected by this loss," the department said in its statement, adding that a family liaison officer has been assigned.

Holmes is the eighth person to die in San Diego County jail custody this year. The seventh death, reported in late September, involved a 62-year-old inmate at the San Diego Central Jail downtown who died after experiencing medical distress.