On Wednesday July 01, 2020 the passing of a San Quentin State Prison inmate was reported to the Coroner Division.  A Coroner Investigator responded to the institution, completed a scene investigation and the subject was transported to the Coroner Division Morgue pending additional forensic examination and testing.  During the scene investigation, the subject was tested for the presence of the Coronavirus COVID-19. The testing results remain pending the analysis to be completed by the California Department of Public Health Viral and Rickettsial Laboratory.

The decedent has been positively identified as:

Mr. Joseph S. CORDOVA, a 75-year-old male resident of San Quentin, CA

A forensic post mortem examination and toxicology testing have been scheduled for Tuesday July 07, 2020.  The cause, mode and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigation being completed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Investigative Services Bureau and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division.  No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and personnel of the Coroner Division offers our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Cordova.

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043