Man Commits Suicide at Big Bear Jail

Big Bear Lake, CA, April 1, 2015 – On Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1:30 p.m., Gilbert Mesa arrived at the Big Bear Station to provide a statement regarding an Assault with a Deadly Weapon investigation, in which he was named as the suspect. Following the interview, Mesa was arrested and booked into the Big Bear jail. Mesa was the sole occupant of the cell.  At 8:15 p.m., the jail deputy observed Mesa, and Mesa acknowledged the deputy.  At 8:50 p.m. the jail deputy was conducting his observation logs when he saw Mesa hanging from the top of the bunk, with his shoelaces tied around his neck.  Deputies quickly cut the shoelaces from his neck, called for medical aid and began CPR.  Fire personnel responded and transported Mesa to Bear Valley Community Hospital.  On Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 1:30 a.m., Mesa was transferred to Riverside Community Hospital.  On Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 9:19 p.m. Mesa was pronounced dead.   Riverside County Coroner conducted an autopsy on Wednesday, April 1, 2015.  The cause of death was determined to be Anoxic Encephalopathy due to hanging.  Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators are conducting the investigation.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Eddie Bachman at 909-387-3589.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.