Sheriff’s Office investigating assault, death at jail as a homicide

YAKIMA – The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Yakima County Jail inmate early Monday morning as a homicide, according to a news release.

The sheriff’s office responded to the jail following an assault that occurred at 11:35 p.m. Sunday. The victim was a 36-year-old man from Yakima. His name has not been released yet pending notification of family.

The man died at Virginia Mason Memorial hospital from his injuries early Monday morning.

The Sheriff’s Office has identified five inmates as potential suspects, the release said. Sheriff’s Office detectives are processing the scene, collecting evidence and interviewing inmates.