Issued by Grant County Administration, based on the information available at this time.

January 12, 2018

On January 9, 2018, at approximately 4:37 p.m., inmate Gary Placencio, Jr. was found unconscious by Grant County Detention Center staff. It appeared that Mr. Placencio had attempted to hang himself. Medical staff performed CPR on Mr. Placencio and called for EMS. EMS arrived at the Detention Center within about ten minutes of the incident, and Mr. Placencio was transported to Gila Regional Medical Center. Mr. Placencio was then flown by helicopter to the University Medical Center of El Paso in Texas for further medical care, but unfortunately, passed away at approximately 12:52 p.m. on January 11, 2018.

Mr. Placencio was booked into the Grant County Detention Center on January 7, 2018, after being arrested on an outstanding bench warrant for failure to appear. Mr. Placencio had violated the conditions of his probation on underlying charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance; Expired Registration of a Motor Vehicle; and No Proof of Insurance. Mr. Placencio resided in Silver City, New Mexico, and was twenty-three years of age. While at the Detention Center, Mr. Placencio had exhibited no signs of being suicidal prior to the incident.

At this time, there are no obvious signs of foul play or policy violations. The county commends its officers and medical staff for their quick response to the incident. Grant County sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Placencio.