The following information is fragmentary and has not been completely verified. It is based, in part, on hearsay and is intended for early information use rather than being a formal investigative report.
On September 17, 2020, seventy-three-year-old Rafael Ruiz was arrested by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and booked into the Vista Detention Facility. He was charged with sixteen counts of 288(a) PC – Lewd Act with a Child Under 14 Years, nine counts of 288(b)(1) PC – Lewd Act with a Child Under 14 Years Using Force, three counts of 269 PC – Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and three counts of 288.7(b) PC – Sexual Penetration of a Child Under 10 Years. Ruiz was transferred to the San Diego Central Jail to provide specialized support for a long-term medical condition.
On January 31, 2022, Ruiz was admitted to a local hospital for respiratory complications associated with pneumonia from COVID-19. Unfortunately, Ruiz’s health declined.
On February 11, 2022, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, with the concurrence of the San Diego Superior Court, compassionately released Ruiz from custody. This gives the family an opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one and be able to make medical decisions. After the court approved the compassionate release, but prior to deputies leaving the hospital, Ruiz was removed from life-support at the direction of doctors at the hospital and was pronounced deceased at the hospital shortly thereafter.
The Homicide Unit responded to investigate the death. No evidence of foul play was discovered.
Ruiz was a resident of Vista. His family was notified of his death.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine Ruiz’s cause and manner of deat
