Death of Erika Ekker housed in maximum security at Humboldt County jail being investigated

According to jail reports, Erika Ekker was booked on May 3 for alleged criminal threats.

This was confirmed by HCSO PIO Stacy Hanson. "She was in custody for PC 422 -Criminal threats. She was going through the court process."

Press Release:
On Monday, May 15, 2017 at about 2115 hours a Correctional Deputy in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility was conducting a security check of the maximum security female unit when she discovered an inmate, who was housed alone, in their cell that appeared to be not breathing.



 Facility medical staff and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were immediately requested. Facility medical staff arrived on scene and along with Correctional staff began life saving measures. EMS arrived on scene and continued life saving measures but those measures were unsuccessful and the inmate was pronounced dead at 2130 hours by EMS on scene.

 The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division responded to the scene and took possession of the deceased. Notification of next of kin was completed by the Coroner’s Office. The inmate was identified as 31 year old Erica Ekker of Eureka. The Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) responded to the Correctional Facility and are currently conducting an investigation.