Southern California inmate's Christmas Day death under investigation

The in-custody death of a Southern California inmate on Christmas Day is under investigation, authorities announced Thursday.

Deputies responded to an altercation between two inmates within a cell at the Larry Smith Correctional Facility in Banning just before 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department stated in a news release.

"Deputies responded to the cell and deployed oleoresin capsicum spray (commonly referred to as pepper spray) into the cell to stop the inmates from fighting," the news release stated.

Both inmates were then handcuffed, separated and removed from the cell but one of them, identified as 24-year-old James Hirt of Norco, became unresponsive a short time later, according to officials.

"Deputies and jail medical staff immediately began lifesaving measures. Paramedics were requested to the jail and continued lifesaving efforts, but Hirt was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene," the Sheriff's Department stated.

The circumstances of his death, including the type of injuries or medical emergency he suffered, were not disclosed.

The case is now being handled by special investigators, including the investigating body of the Riverside corrections department, and a special group of detectives who conduct independent investigations into deadly and major use of force incidents by law enforcement.

The investigation, officials said, is active and ongoing and additional information will not be disclosed at this time.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Riverside Sheriff's Investigator Scott Anderson or Riverside County District Attorney Investigator JR Ferrer at 951–955–2777.

Jail records indicate that Hirt was transferred to Riverside County from Atascadero State Hospital in San Luis Obispo County, a maximum-security facility that houses inmates who have been committed to psychiatric facilities.

He was scheduled to appear in court for a competency hearing on Dec. 30.