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Merced County Inmate Found Dead In Her Jail Cell

MERCED, Calif. (AP) — An autopsy is expected this week on an inmate who was found dead in her Merced County jail cell just as she was about to be released on bail.

Thirty-eight-year-old Leticia Willoughby was booked into the John Latorraca Correctional Center in Merced on Friday on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale and other counts. Her body was discovered the next morning, just as family members were at the jail trying to bail her out.

Authorities do not suspect foul play. Willoughby was apparently alone in her cell. Authorities say she was examined by medical staff after she complained of being cold, but later said she wanted to rest.

Deputies are awaiting toxicology reports to determine whether she was under the influence of any drugs.

 

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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