Gabino Balderas Jr.
Gabino Balderas Jr., 26, of Kent City, had suffered from depression for several years after a breakup kept him from his two young daughters. He was held at the Kent County Correctional Facility, where he was found unresponsive in a dayroom shower on May 27, 2023, and he died in the hospital days later. His father says he hanged himself and asks why guards did not watch him more closely, given a past suicide attempt. The Kent County sheriff's office said its detective division is investigating and has found no signs of foul play. The family donated his organs after his death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). His father says he hanged himself and questions why guards did not watch him more closely given his past suicide attempt.
Reported by: Kent County sheriff's Capt. Joel Roon (the agency that held him); his father.