DATE: October 27, 2026
INCIDENT: In-Custody Death Investigation
LOCATION: High Desert Detention Center, 9438 Commerce Way, Adelanto, CA
DECEDENT: Douglas James Hill, 36-years-old, Resident of Apple Valley
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at about 5:30 a.m., deputies and medical staff at the High Desert Detention Center responded to a housing cell for an inmate, Douglas James Hill, who was unresponsive. Lifesaving measures were performed until ConFire personnel arrived and pronounced Hill deceased.
Hill had been arrested on October 21, 2026, by deputies in Hesperia on drug related charges. At the time of the arrest, Hill was taken to the hospital and was medically cleared for booking.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division assumed the investigation. Investigators with the Coroner’s Office also responded and no indications of foul play were noted. An autopsy will be conducted to establish a cause of death.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Detective E. Rebollar or Sergeant A. Bilbao
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 602600128 H# 2026-094
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
