Man accused of molesting multiple children dies while police custody
A Twentynine Palms man accused of molesting multiple children over a nearly 10-year span died after suffering a medical emergency in jail.
Gary Lynn Shannon, 72, was pronounced dead Sunday evening at Kaiser Hospital.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Morongo Basin Station, Shannon returned to to the West Valley Detention Center on Sunday at around 5 p.m. after spending time at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. He reported feeling light-headed and dizzy while at the Nurses Station male intake area.
Shannon had previously reported a pre-existing medical condition and was receiving medical care while in custody.
In this instance, jail medical staff and deputies had to help him onto the ground so he wouldn't fall. The nursing staff then started CPR and used a defibrillator to resuscitate him.
Shannon was then transported to Kaiser Hospital. Medical staff continued live-saving attempts, however, they were unsuccessful and Shannon was pronounced dead at approximately 6:34 p.m.
An autopsy will be conducted by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death. Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators responded to the detention center to conduct an investigation.
Shannon was arrested on February 11 for allegedly sexually assaulting three minors. According to Morongo Basin investigators, the victims were between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. The abuse occurred between 2005 and 2014.
The Sheriff's Department said they will not be releasing additional information on the case at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective David Carpenter at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at (800)78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.
