SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATING DEPUTY'S SUICIDE

The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the suicide of one of its deputies that happened inside the county jail. The sheriff’s department said 45-year-old Deputy Bailiff Harold Esparza was off duty Sunday morning when he entered the courthouse. Proceeded to one of the courtroom holding cells and apparently shot himself. The department said no foul play was involved, and the coroner has ruled Esparza's death a suicide. The department says its employee gave no note or warning prior to his death.