Inmate found dead at Lake County Jail identified as Santa Rosa woman

A 56-year-old Santa Rosa woman died at the Lake County Jail Sunday, one day after she was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance, authorities said.

Elizabeth Gaunt, 56, was found unresponsive in a holding cell at about 2:26 p.m. Sunday during a routine check, Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said.

Jail staff notified medical personnel and started life-saving efforts, but they could not revive her, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Gaunt had been alone in a holding cell when she was found, officials said. She had not yet completed the booking process, which can sometimes take up to 48 hours for a variety of reasons, including a person’s health condition, Martin said.

Gaunt had been arrested by sheriff’s deputies at 12:48 p.m. Saturday on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and providing false information to a peace officer, Martin said.

Martin said that he could not discuss the details of Gaunt’s death or her condition when she was brought into the jail. He said those details would be revealed after the Lake County District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office completed investigations.

Speaking generally about the jail’s intake procedure, Martin said that when a person is intoxicated or experiencing a medical or mental health issue they are kept under close observation for a period of time before they are booked into the jail. Medical staff at the jail evaluate each person that comes into the facility, he said.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.