SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — On August 6, Brett Douglass, a 46-year-old inmate, who had been transported to a Hospice Care facility in Fresno County, passed away due to a terminal illness. Douglass had been booked into custody on March 16 and was diagnosed with cancer prior to his incarceration. While in custody of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, he received cancer treatment at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center.

Despite seeking Compassionate Release, the Sheriff’s Office’s request for Douglass to be released from custody due to his terminal status had not been approved. This decision was influenced by the seriousness of his criminal history, which included charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun.

On June 21, Douglass was transferred to Hospice Care at Grand Villa Congregate Living Health Facility in Clovis, Fresno County. Even though he was in hospice care, he technically remained under the custody of the Sheriff’s Office. Tragically, Douglass passed away on August 6, while still awaiting trial in the San Luis Obispo Superior Court. His death is classified as an in-custody death due to his status at the time.

Douglass’s family was able to spend time with him before he passed away, and his next of kin have been notified of his death.