LOS ANGELES (2UrbanGirls) – Authorities have identified the fourth Sheriff’s Department employee to die from self-inflicted wounds.
Four members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, one retired and three current were all found dead within a 24-hour period on Nov. 7.
The Medical Examiner’s Office identified Arturo Atilano Valdez, 49, as the final employee.
According to public records, Valdez died at a Pomona hospital and the cause of death is listed as suicide due to a gunshot wound to the head. His death was recorded weeks before his 50th birthday.
Cmdr. Darren Harris, reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head around 10:30 a.m. at his home in Santa Clarita.
The second incident involved Greg Hovland, who had retired from the LASD. He was a longtime sergeant in the Antelope Valley and was found dead Monday at his home in Quartz Hill.
The third employee was identified as Corina Thompson, 59, who died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Valdez and Thompson worked in custody at the North County Correctional Facility in the maximum-security portion of the Pitchess jail, according to a source in the department who was not authorized to discuss the incident.
The sheriff’s department noted that it has counseling services available around the clock for department personnel, along with a peer support program. Support services are also being offered to the families of the employees who died.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance and/or in a mental health crisis, L.A. County has a suicide hotline that can be accessed by dialing 9-8-8.
