Doña Ana County Sheriff’s detectives and the Office of the Medical Examiner are investigating the death of a 47-year-old male at the Doña Ana County Detention Center.
According to jail officials, Zachary Barela reportedly became ill, late on the night of Aug. 28.
Barela, according to the investigation, collapsed in his cell, at approximately 10:21 p.m.
Detention center staff responded with immediate medical attention and noted that Barela had not reported any recent issues to the medical provider at the jail. He was pronounced deceased, shortly after.
Barela’s body was sent to Albuquerque for autopsy to determine an exact cause of death. As the investigation is ongoing, no further details are available, at this time.
Barela had been at the detention center since October 2017, when he was booked on one charge of attempted murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer and shooting at a dwelling.
Information from Doña Ana County