In-custody death of Latino Man ruled a homicide: Ray Robles Dies in Confrontation with 8 Bakersfield Deputies & Police Dogs

• 350 lb. Man high on PCP

The Kern County Coroner’s office ruled an inmate’s death was a homicide. Meanwhile, the family of the inmate says they want justice. The family of 32-year-old Ray Robles believes sheriff's deputies used excessive force to arrest him back in January. It’s an accusation that sheriff's officials deny. Robles died Jan. 21 while sheriff's deputies transported him to the hospital. Back then, Robles' wife said her husband was trying to stay off drugs, but she admits he was on PCP. One relative says Robles wasn't abusive, but that she called 9-1-1 to make sure the children were ok. Another relative said she witnessed deputies beating Robles, who she says continued to pray silently. They said he had been praying with his wife.
But, KCSO Sgt. Rick Wood says they tried to arrest Robles for domestic violence charges and he resisted arrest. “Several deputies and a K-9 had to struggle with him,” he said. The coroner calls Robles' death a homicide caused by drug intoxication, blunt force trauma, dog bites, and prone positioning or how he was placed on the stretcher to be taken to the hospital. They do not know exactly which condition contributed the most to his death. “Our deputies appear that they were justified in what they did,” Sgt. Wood said. “They worked trying to make an arrest in compliance with the law, and they used the necessary force to make the arrest and our investigation at the time indicated that,” he adds. Sheriff officials say no deputies involved in the arrest of Robles are facing charges. They also said while their homicide investigation concluded in January, an internal review of the case continues. [MORE]