Intake Release Center
OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens reported today a 29-year old Mission Viejo man apparently committed suicide by hanging Sunday at the OC Jail in Santa Ana. Deputies found Stephen Clevenger alone in his cell at the Intake Release Center about 9:30 p.m.
The Center is the entry point for all new arrestees brought into the Orange County Jail system. Inmates are screened for medical and mental health needs upon entry, booked, and then classified to determine appropriate housing.
The man was arrested by Mission Viejo Police Services 16 months ago on a variety of charges, including robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, a gang enhancement, and parole violation.
The OC District Attorney is investigating the incident, and an autopsy has been scheduled.
A separate suicide occurred on August 13 at the same facility after a 19-year old male was arrested in Mission Viejo for an alleged robbery at Nordstroms. Sheriff Hutchens still has not released his photo, background information or the method of suicide.
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This is very sad! Just how many times does this take place before the Sheriff steps up and takes some responsibility!!
I agree.
Obviously these young men were in need of help mentally and emotionally. I don’t know how to improve this sort of situation, but I sure hope that it is being discussed and a plan can be formed to prevent further suicides while being screened.
This is a very sad situation and hopefully will not spread through the jail. I believe half of the individuals who are in custody are mentally and emotionally unstable. Most likely these individuals have gone untreated and go into severe depression.
The Sheriff Dept. has stated in both Los Angeles and Orange County that they would pursue solutions to these constant suicides. It must be cost a fortune when you are sued! They need some kind of automated system insure these guys are checked eat least every half an hour?