ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

CORONER

2017

STEVE MOORE SHERIFF-CORONER

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

7000 MICHAEL N. CANLIS BLVD.

FRENCH CAMP, CA, 95231

(209) 468-4300

www.sjsheriff.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

- CORONER’S OFFICE STAFF 3

- SHERIFF–CORONER BIO 4

- DEATHS REPORTABLE TO THE CORONER 6

- SUMMARY OF CONTENTS 9

INVESTIGATIONS, CORONER CASES AND AUTOPSIES 10 - SUMMARY OF REPORTABLE DEATHS 11

- REPORTABLE DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY CHART 12

- DISPOSITION OF REPORTABLE DEATHS GRAPH 13

- AGE AND SEX OF DECEDENTS CHART 14

MANNER OF DEATH COMPARISONS 15

- DEFINITION OF CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH 16

- CORONER INVESTIGATIONS BY MANNER FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 17

- INVESTIGATIONS BY MANNER OF DEATH GRAPH 18

- NATURAL DEATHS BY THE MONTH CHART 19

- NATURAL DEATHS BY CAUSE GRAPH 20

- MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY CAUSE 21

- MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY CAUSE GRAPH 22

- MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 23

- UNDETERMINED DEATHS GRAPH 24

- MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY MODE GRAPH 25

- MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY TYPE TABLE 26

- MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY MONTH CHART 27

- BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS IN MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS 28

- BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS IN VEHICLE DEATHS CHART 29

- BLOOD ALCOHOL AND NON BLOOD ALCOHOL DEATHS GRAPH 30

- MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 31

- HOMICIDES BY MODE GRAPH 32

- HOMICIDES BY JURISDICTION GRAPH 33

- HOMICIDES BY THE MONTH CHART 34

- HOMICIDES FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 35

- SUICIDES BY MODE GRAPH 36

- SUICIDES BY THE MONTH CHART 37

- SUICIDES FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 38

SPECIAL SUMMARIES 39

- TEENAGE SUICIDES 40

- DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEATHS 41

- DEATHS DUE TO GUNSHOT WOUND(S) 42

- DEATHS PENDING FINAL CLASSIFICATION 43

INDIGENT BURIALS 44

- INDIGENT BURIALS SUMMARY 45

- INDIGENT BURIALS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY 46

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2

INTRODUCTION

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

3

CORONER’S OFFICE STAFF

LEFT TO RIGHT:COLLEEN GALLOWAY, BARBARA HAFLEY, DEBRA BASS, MIKE REYNOLDS, JOSE ALATORRE, VATCHE

TATARIAN, TAYLOR HOSMER, JAMES BUTLER, DANIEL VICTORIA, ALEJANDRA GAMBOA, KATHRYN MORENO, ETTA JOHNSON

CHIEF DEPUTY CORONER INVESTIGATOR INVESTIGATOR

SERGEANT MIKE REYNOLDS DANIEL VICTORIA JOSE ALATORRE

(209) 468-4303 (209) 468-4306 (209) 468- 4298

mreynolds@sjgov.org dvictoria@sjgov.org jalatorre@sjgov.org

INVESTIGATOR INVESTIGATOR INVESTIGATOR

TAYLOR HOSMER JAMES BUTLER VATCHE TATARIAN

(209) 468-5555 (209) 468-5130 (209) 468-5134

thosmer@sjgov.org jcbutler@sjgov.org vtatarian@sjgov.org

SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT OFFICE ASSISTANT

BARBARA HAFLEY COLLEEN GALLOWAY DEBRA BASS

(209) 468-4308 (209) 468-4300 (209) 468-5196

bhafley@sjgov.org cgalloway@sjgov.org dbass@sjgov.org

MORGUE STAFF

ETTA JOHNSON

ALEJANDRA GAMBOA

KATHRYN MORENO

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

4

STEVE MOORE, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

SHERIFF-CORONER-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

5

STEVE MOORE, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

SHERIFF-CORONER-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

Elected Sheriff on November 9, 2006; took office January 8, 2007. He is currently serving his third term after being re-elected Sheriff in June 2014.

Sheriff Moore began his law enforcement career at the Oxnard Police Department as a law enforcement Explorer, cadet and later a Police Officer. He worked for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office from 1976 to 1978; and in 1982, he joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.

He has over 40 years of law enforcement experience and has commanded every major division within the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Moore holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology Law Enforcement from California State University, Fresno, and a single-subject teaching credential. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (185th Session) in Quantico, Virginia, and the FBI LEEDS Session #64. He has also been awarded a POST Executive Certificate.

Sheriff Moore is a recipient of the Linden Lions Club’s “Melvin Jones Fellowship Award” and the California Peace Officers Association’s “Award Distinction.” He is a recipient of a “Paul Harris Fellowship” with the Tracy Rotary Club.

In June 2007, Sheriff Moore was appointed and served on the California Counsel for Interstate Adult Supervision by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In April 2009, Sheriff Moore was appointed to the California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA) Board of Directors and served as the Chairman for the Audit, Budget and Finance Committee.

In January of 2010, Sheriff Moore was appointed to and served on the California Department and Boating and Waterways Commission by Governor Schwarzenegger.

In June 2013, Sheriff Moore was selected as the California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA) Sergeant at Arms and was sworn into the position by Governor Jerry Brown.

In April 2014, Sheriff Moore was selected and elevated to the office of California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA) Treasurer and was again sworn into the position by Governor Jerry Brown.

In April 2015, Sheriff Moore was selected and elevated to the office of California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA) Second Vice President and was again sworn into the position by Governor Jerry Brown.

In April 2016, Sheriff Moore was selected and elevated to the office of California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA) First Vice President and was again sworn into the position by Governor Jerry Brown.

In April 2017, Sheriff Moore was selected and elevated to the office of California State Sheriff’s Association (CSSA) President and was again sworn into the position by Governor Jerry Brown.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

9

2017 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CORONER

In San Joaquin County, the Sheriff and the Coroner are one and the same. The San Joaquin

County Sheriff’s Coroner Division is comprised of one Sergeant, three Deputy Sheriff-Coroner

Investigators, two Senior Office Assistants, two Forensic Pathologists, and three Medical

Technicians.

During the 2017 calendar year, 5,166 deaths were recorded in San Joaquin County. Of that

number, 2,800 (54.2%) were reported to the Coroner’s Office pursuant to California Government

Code Section 27491, which directs the Coroner to inquire into and determine the circumstances,

manner, and cause of those reportable deaths. This represents a 3.6% increase over 2016, when

2,703 deaths were reported to the Coroner.

After investigation, 788 deaths (28.1%) of the cases reported to the Coroner resulted as actual

Coroner cases, with the final cause of death signed by the Coroner or his delegated authority. This

represents an increase of 50 deaths (6.8%) from the 738 investigated deaths in 2016. The

remaining 2,012 cases were referred to the attending physicians for signing of the death

certificates.

Of the 788 deaths certified by the Coroner’s Office, 506 (64.2%) required an autopsy to

determine the cause of death. Of the 788 deaths investigated, 259 (32.9%) were found to be

deaths due to natural causes. Of the natural deaths investigated by the Coroner, 155 (59.8%) were

cardiac related.

Accidental deaths comprised 356 (45.2%) of the 788 investigated deaths. Of the accidental

deaths, 125 (35.1%) were due to motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle accidents decreased by 4,

from 129 in 2016, to 125 in 2017 (-3.1% decrease). Alcohol was found to be present in the

postmortem blood in 39 (31.2%) of all motor vehicle deaths.

Of the 788 deaths certified by the Coroner’s Office, suicides accounted for 85 (10.8%) deaths and

firearms were the instruments of death in 36 (42.4%) of those cases. There were 78 homicides

investigated by the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office in 2017, an increase of 4.0% from 75

homicides in 2016. Firearms were the major instruments of death in 58 (74.4%) of the 78

homicides.

Six of the 788 deaths (0.8%) investigated by the Coroner were classified as undetermined. In

these investigations, the cause or manner of death could not be determined.

During 2017, the Coroner’s Office processed 122 indigent cases in which the decedents had

insufficient funds for interment, representing a 41.9% increase from 86 in 2016.

Four deaths (0.5%) investigated by the Coroner’s Office in 2017 are pending closure*. Two

deaths are pending a potential Coroner’s Inquest, with the other two pending a finalized autopsy

report. * REFERENCE PAGE 43

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

10

INVESTIGATIONS

CORONER

CASES

AND

AUTOPSIES

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

11

SUMMARY OF REPORTABLE DEATHS BY THE MONTH

AUTOPSY INSPECTION INVESTIGATION REFERRAL TOTAL

JANUARY 41 14 9 239 303

FEBRUARY 46 12 6 171 235

MARCH 39 9 6 176 230

APRIL 37 21 4 169 231

MAY 46 21 11 157 235

JUNE 37 28 6 150 221

JULY 39 13 3 149 204

AUGUST 40 15 11 146 212

SEPTEMBER 44 13 10 157 224

OCTOBER 43 15 12 145 215

NOVEMBER 31 24 5 158 218

DECEMBER 63 12 2 195 272

TOTAL 506 197 85 2012 2800

AUTOPSY: A FULL EXAMINATION, BOTH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL, TO

DETERMINE THE PATHOLOGICAL CAUSE OF DEATH. THE

DEATH CERTIFICATE IS SIGNED BY THE CORONER. 506

INSPECTION: A TERM USED BY THE CORONER’S OFFICE WHEN THERE IS

SUFFICIENT MEDICAL DATA TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF

DEATH BY PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF THE BODY AND

WITHOUT AN AUTOPSY. THE FINAL DEATH CERTIFICATE IS

SIGNED BY THE CORONER. 197

INVESTIGATION: A TERM USED BY THE CORONER’S OFFICE WHEN THE DEATH

CERTIFICATE IS SIGNED BY THE CORONER AFTER A FULL

INVESTIGATION, AND REVIEW OF MEDICAL RECORDS

WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF THE BODY. 85

REFERRAL: A TERM USED BY THE CORONER’S OFFICE FOR A DEATH THAT

WHEN AFTER INVESTIGATION IS RELEASED TO A PRIVATE

PHYSICIAN FOR THE SIGNING OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE. 2012

TOTAL: INDICATES TOTAL NUMBER OF AUTOPIES, INSPECTIONS,

REFERRALS, AND INVESTIGATIONS. 2800

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

12

REPORTABLE DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

AUTOPSY 510 493 538 515 506

INSPECTION 119 163 137 154 197

INVESTIGATION 46 52 85 69 85

REFERRAL 1959 1852 1832 1965 2012

TOTAL 2634 2560 2592 2703 2800

2300

2400

2500

2600

2700

2800

2900

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

13

DISPOSITION OF REPORTABLE DEATHS

REPORTABLE DEATHS

AUTOPSY 506

INSPECTION 197

INVESTIGATION 85

REFERRAL 2012

TOTAL 2800

Autopsy

18.1%

Inspection

7.0%

Investigation

3.0%

Referral

71.9%

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

14

CORONER INVESTIGATIONS AGE AND SEX OF DECEDENTS

MALE FEMALE TOTAL

0-1 YEARS 11 8 19

2-9 YEARS 3 4 7

10-19 YEARS 22 7 29

20-29 YEARS 65 7 72

30-39 YEARS 81 22 103

40-49 YEARS 94 29 123

50-59 YEARS 111 47 158

60-69 YEARS 107 46 153

70-79 YEARS 42 25 67

80-89 YEARS 20 13 33

90+ YEARS 9 14 23

UNKNOWN 0 1 1

TOTAL 565 223 788

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

0-1 2-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+ Unk.

Male

Female

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

15

MANNER

OF

DEATH

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

16

DEFINITION OF CAUSE AND MANNERS OF DEATH

Cause The medical reason for the death as determined by a Forensic Pathologist or Licensed

Physician.

Manner The category or classification of death as determined by the Coroner per Government

Code Section 27491, and based on the available information concerning the

circumstances surrounding a death. The Manner of Death is used only in the United

States for statistical purposes and is not legally binding. The preponderance of

medical and/or investigative evidence (greater than a 50:50 chance) is the standard

used when determining Manner of Death. The Manners of Death used in California

are listed below.

Natural Those deaths which are reported to the Coroner and determined to be

caused by disease (morbid process) attributable to known or unknown

cause, non-traumatic, and not a result of act or omission of another. If the

cause of death is ascertained by autopsy, the death certificate is signed by

the Coroner.

259

Accident Unforeseen event, misfortune, loss, act or omission causing death; when

death is caused by conduct of another human agency, not being intentional

in nature, and free of gross negligence.

356

Suicide Those where the death is the result of an intentional, self-inflicted act

intended to commit self-harm or cause death to oneself. Methods may

include asphyxia (via hanging or suffocation), gunshot, and overdose of

medication or other drugs.

85

Homicide Those where the death is caused by the hands of another, other than by

accident. The intent to cause death is not required for classification as

Homicide and deaths classified as Homicide do not indicate or imply

criminal intent was determined.

78

Undetermined Classified in the Undetermined Death category are those deaths where the

designation of Natural, Accident, Suicide, or Homicide could not be

determined. After thorough consideration of all available information, the

classification of one manner of death may be no more compelling than the

other competing manners.

Generally, these deaths have been thoroughly investigated by the Coroner,

including an autopsy examination and related scientific tests. In many

cases the cause of death may be known, however the external factors

cannot be confidently established.

6

Pending Those deaths reported to the Coroner which are pending final

classification. 4

Total 788

Source: National Association of Medical Examiners Guide

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

17

COMPARISON OF CORONER INVESTIGATIONS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY BY MANNER

YEAR 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

NATURAL 271 254 315 238 259

ACCIDENT 183 206 207 209 231

ACCIDENT (VEHICLE) 96 96 97 129 125

SUICIDE 67 74 64 76 85

HOMICIDE 53 72 71 75 78

UNDETERMINED 5 6 6 11 6

PENDING 0 0 0 0 4

REFERRAL 1959 1852 1832 1965 2012

TOTAL 2634 2560 2592 2703 2800

PERCENT CHANGE

FROM PREVIOUS YEAR -10.4% -2.9% 1.3% 4.3% 3.6%

TOTAL DEATHS IN

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY 4635 4894 5161 5308 5166

PERCENT REPORTED

TO THE CORONER 56.8% 52.3% 50.2% 50.9% 54.2%

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

18

COMPARISON OF CORONER INVESTIGATIONS BY MANNER OF DEATH

CORONER INVESTIGATIONS BY MANNER

NATURAL 259

ACCIDENT (MISCELLANEOUS) 231

ACCIDENT (MOTOR VEHICLE) 125

SUICIDE 85

HOMICIDE 78

UNDETERMINED 6

PENDING 4

TOTAL CORONER CASES 788

Natural 32.9%

Accident (Misc.) 29.3%

Accident (Veh.) 15.8%

Suicide 10.8%

Homicide 9.9%

Undetermined 0.8%

Pending 0.5%

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

19

COMPARISON OF NATURAL DEATHS BY THE MONTH

MONTHLY COMPARISON

JANUARY 22 FEBRUARY 18 MARCH 22 APRIL 24 MAY 26 JUNE 30 JULY 18 AUGUST 14 SEPTEMBER 15 OCTOBER 20 NOVEMBER 15 DECEMBER 35

TOTAL 259

0

10

20

30

40

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

20

COMPARISON OF NATURAL DEATHS BY CAUSE

NATURAL DEATHS BY CAUSE

CARDIAC 155

RESPIRATORY 34

HEPATIC 28

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 7

MALIGNANCY 6

SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED INFANT DEATH (S.U.I.D.) 2

Other: Endocrine, Hematologic, Immune, Renal and Misc. 27

TOTAL 259

Cardiac

59.9%

S.U.I.D.

0.8%

Malignancy

2.3%

Other

10.4% Respiratory

13.1%

Central Nervous

System

2.7%

Hepatic

10.8%

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

21

COMPARISON OF MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY CAUSE

ASPHYXIA………………………………………………………...

…………….

17

DROWNING

10

CHOKED ON FOOD/OBJECT

3

POSITIONAL/MECHANICAL ASPHYXIA

3

CHEMICAL ASPHYXIA

1

DRUG(S)/TOXIC……………………………………………….....

.….SUBSTANCES…………………………………………..

177

OVERDOSE ILLICIT DRUGS/DRUG ABUSE 87

OVERDOSE PRESCRIPTION DRUG(S)/MED(S) 43

CHRONIC IV DRUG ABUSE 18

COMBINED ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 24

OVERDOSE OF ALCOHOL 5

BURNS/SMOKE…………………………………………………..

. INHALATION……………………………………………..

2

BURNS 2

RESIDENTIAL FIRE 0

FALL……………………………………………………………….

……………

33

TO GROUND 16

TO FLOOR 11

FROM HEIGHT 5

DOWNSTAIRS 1

AGAINST OBJECT 0

OTHER MISC……………………………………………………..

…..ACCIDENT…………………………………………………...

2

THERAPEUTIC COMPLICATION 1

ALLERGIC REACTION 1

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE 0

ELECTROCUTION 0

OTHER 0

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS 0

TOTAL……………………………………………………………..

.…………… 231

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

22

COMPARISON OF MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY CAUSE

MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY CAUSE

DRUGS 177

FALLS 33

ASPHYXIA 17

BURNS 2

OTHER 2

TOTAL 231

Drugs

76.6%

Falls

14.3%

Burns

0.9% Asphyxia

7.3%

Other

0.9%

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

23

COMPARISON OF MISCELLANEOUS ACCIDENTAL DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

0

50

100

150

200

250

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

JANUARY 16 23 19 14 25

FEBRUARY 17 12 16 12 23

MARCH 13 16 16 22 17

APRIL 11 17 14 17 19

MAY 14 21 23 13 28

JUNE 19 16 18 9 15

JULY 16 14 5 22 16

AUGUST 17 21 24 22 16

SEPTEMBER 15 19 20 18 21

OCTOBER 14 12 16 25 16

NOVEMBER 13 18 15 15 20

DECEMBER 18 17 21 20 15

TOTAL 183 206 207 209 231

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

24

COMPARISON OF UNDETERMINED DEATHS

UNDETERMINED DEATHS

INDIAN REMAINS 0

OTHER/UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES 6

TOTAL 6

Other/Unknown

100%

Native American Remains

0%

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

25

COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY MODE

Automobile 56.0%

Pick-up Truck 8.0%

Pedestrian 23.2%

Motorcycle 8.8%

Bicycle 4.0%

MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY MODE

AUTOMOBILE (SEDAN, SUV,VAN) 70

MOTORCYCLE 11

PEDESTRIAN 29

PICK-UP TRUCK 10

BICYCLE 5

TOTAL 125

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

26

COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY TYPE

AUTOMOBILE………………………………………………....................... 70 AUTOMOBILE VS AUTOMOBILE 25 AUTOMOBILE VS FIXED OBJECT 15 AUTOMOBILE OVERTURN 13 AUTOMOBILE VS PICK-UP TRUCK 6 AUTOMOBILE VS SEMI TRUCK 6 AUTOMOBILE INTO WATER 3 AUTOMOBILE MULTIPLE VEHICLES 2 MOTORCYCLE……………………………………..………....................... 11 MOTORCYCLE VS AUTOMOBILE 4 MOTORCYCLE VS SEMI TRUCK 3 MOTORCYCLE OVERTURN 2 MOTORCYCLE VS FIXED OBJECT 1 MOTORCYCLE VS PICK-UP TRUCK 1 PEDESTRIAN………………………………………………......................... 29 PEDESTRIAN VS AUTOMOBILE 21 PEDESTRIAN VS TRAIN 3 PEDESTRIAN VS PICK-UP TRUCK 2 PEDESTRIAN VS UNKNOWN VEHICLE 2 PEDESTRIAN VS SEMI TRUCK 1 PICK-UP TRUCK………………………………………………………....... 10 PICK-UP TRUCK VS FIXED OBJECT 5 PICK-UP TRUCK VS AUTOMOBILE 3 PICK-UP TRUCK OVERTURN 2 BICYCLE ………….…………………………….......................................... 5 BICYCLE VS AUTOMOBILE 4 BICYCLE VS FIXED OBJECT 1 TOTAL…………………………………………………………..................... 125

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

27

COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY MONTH

MONTHLY COMPARISON

JANUARY 8 FEBRUARY 11 MARCH 7 APRIL 7 MAY 8 JUNE 13 JULY 5 AUGUST 22 SEPTEMBER 13 OCTOBER 14

NOVEMBER 8 DECEMBER 9

TOTAL 125

0

6

12

18

24

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

28

BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS IN MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS

California Government Code Section 27491.25 provides that the Coroner shall test for

alcohol and barbiturate levels in all motor vehicle deaths where the decedent was fifteen

(15) years of age or older and died within twenty-four (24) hours of the accident. It gives

the Coroner discretion for testing to determine possible amphetamine levels.

It further provides that such tests shall be performed on decedents less than fifteen (15)

years of age if the surrounding circumstances indicate the possibility of alcohol, barbituric

acid, or amphetamine derivative consumption.

During 2017, 125 people died in San Joaquin County as a result of motor vehicle

accidents; this represents a decrease of four (-3.1%) from 2016. Blood samples were

obtained and submitted for toxicological study in 119 (95.2%) of these cases.

California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) states it is unlawful for any person who is under

the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug to drive a vehicle. Section 23152(b)

states it is unlawful for any person who has a blood alcohol of 0.08% or more, by weight,

of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

In 2017, alcohol was present in the blood of 39 (31.2%) of the 125 motor vehicle deaths.

The blood alcohol level was at or above 0.08% in 30 (24.0%) of the 125 motor vehicle

deaths in 2017, a decrease from 40 (31.0%) of the 129 motor vehicle deaths in 2016.

Particularly significant were the results showing that of the 53 drivers who died in motor

vehicle accidents in 2017, 13 (24.5%) of the drivers had blood alcohol levels at or above

the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle in California. This compares to 65 drivers who

died in motor vehicle accidents in 2016, of which 23 (35.4%) of the drivers had blood

alcohol levels at or above the legal limit.

Also noted was the fact that there were two alcohol related deaths reported for a driver

under the age of 21 years.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

29

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Neg. .01-.03% .04-.07% .08-.12% .13-.19% .20% & Over

OF THOSE TESTED

COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVELS

NEGATIVE .01-

.03%

.04-

.07%

.08-

.12%

.13-

.19%

.20% &

OVER

NOT

TESTED

DRIVER 36 0 3 1 4 8 1

PASSENGER 16 1 0 2 2 3 4

PEDESTRIAN 18 3 1 1 1 5 1

MOTORCYCLIST 4 1 0 1 1 1 0

BICYCLIST 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

UNKNOWN 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 80 5 4 5 8 17 6

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

30

No Alcohol

68.8%

Alcohol

31.2%

COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS BY ALCOHOL / NO ALCOHOL

MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS

ALCOHOL 39 NO ALCOHOL 86

TOTAL 125

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

31

COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF MOTOR VEHICLE DEATHS

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

JANUARY 3 14 7 9 8 FEBRUARY 4 4 4 10 11 MARCH 6 4 10 9 7 APRIL 9 10 10 10 7 MAY 11 15 8 11 8 JUNE 5 4 4 8 13 JULY 7 6 9 9 5 AUGUST 15 6 3 16 22 SEPTEMBER 6 10 9 10 13

OCTOBER 11 9 13 12 14 NOVEMBER 8 10 11 11 8 DECEMBER 9 4 9 14 9

TOTAL 94 96 97 129 125

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

32

Gunshot Wound(s)

74.4%

Incised/Cut Wound(s)

12.8%

Beating/Blow(s) to Body

6.4% Strangulation

2.6%

Other

3.8%

COMPARISON OF HOMICIDE DEATHS BY MODE

HOMICIDES BY MODE OF DEATH MALE FEMALE TOTAL

GUNSHOT WOUND(S) 52 6 58

INCISED/CUT WOUND(S) 7 3 10

BEATING/BLOW(S) TO BODY 4 1 5

STRANGULATION 0 2 2

OTHER (Cardiac Arrest/MVA/Drugs) 2 1 3

TOTAL 65 13 78

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

33

COMPARISON OF HOMICIDE DEATHS BY JURISDICTION

Stockton Police

70.5%

San Joaquin Sheriff

10.2%

City of Lathrop

2.6%

Tracy Police

3.8%

Manteca Police

6.4%

Lodi Police

1.3%

Ripon Police

1.3%

Stockton CHP

1.3%

California Dept. of

Corrections

2.6%

COMPARISON BY AGENCY HOMICIDES

STOCKTON POLICE DEPARTMENT 55

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 8 -CONTRACT CITY OF LATHROP 2 MANTECA POLICE DEPARTMENT 5 TRACY POLICE DEPARTMENT 3

CALIFORNIA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS 2 LODI POLICE DEPARTMENT 1 RIPON POLICE DEPARTMENT 1 CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL - STOCKTON 1

TOTAL 78

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

34

COMPARISON OF HOMICIDE DEATHS BY THE MONTH

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

MONTHLY COMPARISON

JANUARY 6

FEBRUARY 7

MARCH 2

APRIL 3

MAY 6

JUNE 6

JULY 7

AUGUST 9

SEPTEMBER 7

OCTOBER 11

NOVEMBER 5

DECEMBER 9

TOTAL 78

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

35

COMPARISON OF HOMICIDE DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

HOMICIDES 53 72 71 75 78

% CHANGE PREVIOUS

YEAR***POTENTIAL FOR

THIS NUMBER TO CHANGE

TO 80 DEPENDING ON

FINAL CLASSIFICATION OF

CASE #17-1529 ALFREDO

CAMPOS.

-43.6% 35.8% -1.4% 5.6% 4.0%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

36

COMPARISON OF SUICIDE DEATHS BY MODE

Gunshot Wounds

42.4%

Hanging/Asphyxia 32.9%

Vehicle/Train 9.4%

Overdose 12.9%

Ethylene Glycol 1.2%

Carbon Monoxide 1.2%

SUICIDES BY MODE OF DEATH MALE FEMALE TOTAL

GUNSHOT WOUND(S) 33 3 36

HANGING/ASPHYXIA/SUFFOCATION 24 4 28

OVERDOSE 5 6 11

VEHICLE / TRAIN 8 0 8

POISON – ETHYLENE GLYCOL 1 0 1

POISON – CARBON MONOXIDE 1 0 1

TOTAL 72 13 85

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

37

COMPARISON OF SUICIDE DEATHS BY THE MONTH

MONTHLY COMPARISON

JANUARY 3

FEBRUARY 5

MARCH 6

APRIL 8

MAY 10

JUNE 6

JULY 7

AUGUST 6

SEPTEMBER 10

OCTOBER 5

NOVEMBER 10

DECEMBER 9

TOTAL 85

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

38

COMPARISON OF SUICIDE DEATHS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

SUICIDES 67 74 64 76 85

% CHANGE PREVIOUS

YEAR -15.2% 10.4% -13.5% 18.8% 11.8%

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

39

SPECIAL

SUMMARIES

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

40

SUMMARY OF TEENAGE SUICIDES

In 2017, there were three (3) teenage suicides investigated by the Coroner’s Office.

The month of occurrence, gender, age, and method of each case are as follows:

MONTH GENDER AGE MODE

AUGUST MALE 19 GUNSHOT WOUND

SEPTEMBER MALE 18 HANGING

OCTOBER MALE

MALE 17 GUNSHOT WOUND

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

41

SUMMARY OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEATHS

In 2017, 188 (23.9%) of the 788 deaths investigated by the Coroner’s Office were caused

by an overdose of illicit drugs, alcohol, or pharmaceuticals. Of these 188 deaths, 177

(22.5%) deaths were classified as an accidental overdose and are now tracked in more

detail (pg. 21). The remaining 11 overdose deaths were classified as suicides (pg. 36).

Although 188 deaths were directly caused by an overdose, a significant number of deaths

included illicit drugs or alcohol as contributory or not directly related to the cause of death.

The numbers below represent the total number of these decedents that had the listed

substances appear in their toxicology reports (some decedents may have a combination of

several substances).

METHAMPHETAMINE/AMPHETAMINE 88

PHARMACEUTICALS 101

HEROIN 25

COCAINE 21

METHADONE 26

PCP (Phencyclidine) 1

MDMA/MDA (MDMA-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

MDA-Methylenedioxyamphetamine) 1

ALCOHOL 40

MARIJUANA 35

Although “Methadone” is a pharmaceutical, it was not actually prescribed to some of the

decedents and was obtained through other means. It was included in this special summary

for that reason.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

42

SUMMARY OF DEATHS DUE TO GUNSHOT WOUND(S) (FIREARMS)

In 2017, 95 (12.1%) of the 788 deaths investigated by the Coroner’s Office resulted from

gunshot wounds (firearms). This represents a decrease from 2016 when 104 (14.1%) of the

738 deaths investigated by the Coroner’s Office resulted from gunshot wounds (firearms).

These deaths were classified as follows:

MANNER OF DEATH # OF DEATHS PERCENTAGE

HOMICIDE 58 (61.1%)

SUICIDE 36 (37.9%)

ACCIDENTAL 0 (0%)

UNDETERMINED 0 (0%)

PENDING 1 (1.0%)

TOTAL 95 (100%)

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

43

DEATHS PENDING FINAL CLASSIFICATION

The four (4) deaths listed below were investigated by the Coroner’s Office in 2017 and are

pending final classification. Two (2) of the deaths are pending a potential Coroner’s

Inquest, with the other two (2) pending a finalized autopsy report. These four (4) cases

have the potential to impact the totals previously listed in this report for the following

manners of death: Homicide, Accident (Miscellaneous/Vehicle), Natural, and

Undetermined.

*Upon the closure of these four (4) cases this report will be amended to reflect the final totals for 2017.

CASE # CAUSE OF DEATH MANNER

2017-0816 BLUNT FORCE HEAD, NECK AND CHEST INJURY DUE

TO MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

PENDING CORONER

INQUEST

2017-1583 PENDING FINALIZED AUTOPSY REPORT PENDING AUTOPSY

REPORT

2017-2263 GUNSHOT WOUNDS OF TORSO PENDING CORONER

INQUEST

2017-2513 PENDING FINALIZED AUTOPSY REPORT PENDING AUTOPSY

REPORT

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

44

INDIGENT BURIALS

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

45

INDIGENT BURIALS

Under the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Section 7104, the county of

residence of any indigent is responsible for the internment of that individual. The

Coroner’s Office administers the indigent burials budget for San Joaquin County.

During 2017, the Coroner’s Office investigated 122 cases which qualified for the County’s

indigent program, resulting in a cost of $41,848.56 for indigent processing. The cost per

indigent was $350.00 until April 30, 2017, and $352.50 after May 1, 2017. There were 36

more cases in 2017 than in 2016, for a cost increase of $14,183.06.

In August of 1988, because of funding limitations placed on the County’s General Fund,

the Board of Supervisors adopted a policy of cremating all deceased indigents. Exceptions

to the policy are at the discretion of the Sheriff-Coroner.

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF-CORONER

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

46

COMPARISON OF INDIGENT BURIALS FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY

FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

TOTAL INDIGENT DEATHS 108 106 90 86 122

% CHANGE PREVIOUS

YEAR

96.4% -1.9% -15.1% -4.4% 41.9%

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017