A Santa Barbara County jail inmate who had coronavirus, but had appeared to have recovered, has died.
Eduardo Velazquez was arrested on kidnapping and sexual abuse of a child charges July 11. During routine screening for new Santa Barbara County jail inmates, the Santa Maria man tested positive for COVID-19.
He was taken to a hospital after he suffered complications, and remained there until late July. The 38 year-old-man was then moved to a jail isolation unit. Jail officials say he appeared to be healthy.
Velazquez was found unresponsive in his cell last Tuesday night. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. There are no signs of foul play, and natural causes are suspected. An autopsy is pending.
