On September 22nd, 2021, at approximately 6:00 a.m. deputies located Kenneth William Peden III, a 21 year-old male, unconscious in his cell after an apparent suicide attempt at the Marion County Jail. Deputies and onsite medical staff at the facility began administering CPR and used an AED in attempts to resuscitate the 21-year-old male. Additional emergency medical personnel from the Salem Fire Department and Falck Ambulance were called to the scene to assist. The patient was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
In accordance with Sheriff’s Office policy, we have asked the Linn County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the death in cooperation with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office and Medical Examiner. Under ORS 146.090, a death investigation is required for all deaths occurring while incarcerated in any jail, correction facility or in police custody.