#breaking Coroner's report says inmate Michael Tyree killed by multiple blunt force injuries. Exclusive pic.twitter.com/3BuzB13dPM
— David Louie (@abc7david) September 3, 2015
The three -- identified as Matthew Farris, Jereh Lubrin and Rafael Rodriguez -- have been placed on unpaid leave and are now being held without bail.
The inmate they're accused of beating to death, 31-year-old Michael Tyree, was serving a five day petty theft sentence and had a history of mental illness. During a news conference on Thursday, the sheriff called his murder disgusting and cowardly, contrary to the values deputies are expected to embrace.
The attorney for Tyree's family didn't mince words about his death.
"There's a fact basis for the phrase -- he got the s*** beat out of him," said attorney Paula Canny. "So they beat him badly."
After a week of silence, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith laid out details from the investigation. The three deputies are accused of murder, conspiracy, and assault under color of authority.
The coroner's examination found that Tyree bled to death after he suffered multiple blunt force trauma. He was found in his single occupancy cell naked and covered in feces and vomit on Aug. 27.
"This is a tragic, sad, heartbreaking event," Canny said. "And that Michael Tyree, even though he was an inmate in a jail, is a person of value."
Sheriff: "This violent cowardly act that took Mr. Tyree's life is not indicative of our values.." pic.twitter.com/Fl8qPfyH71
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Ferris and Lubrin were arrested at their homes at dawn. Rodriguez surrendered a short time later.
"This violent, cowardly act that took Mr. Tyree's life is not indicative of values that we expect and honor with the men and women of this department," said Sheriff Smith. "Each accused murderer was booked, fingerprinted, and photographed at the Santa Clara main jail, the very same jail where they're accused of taking the life of an inmate swore to protect."
In addition to the current charges, there are new allegations of excessive use of force inside the jail.
A source familiar with the investigation tells ABC7 News that an inmate currently in the hospital has accused Rodriguez and another correctional deputy not currently facing charges in a different incident involving excessive force.
The source says the inmate is being treated at Valley Medical for a broken jaw.
A search of criminal court records turned up one prior arrest for Farris. In 2007, when he was 18 years old, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
There were no prior arrest records for Lubrin or Rodriguez.
Social justice advocates say inmates have complained about Santa Clara County correctional deputies before.
"The difference is now the fact that this has broke, this story has broke, I think it gives even more validity to an otherwise silenced population," said Raj Jayadev with Silicon Valley De-Bug.
A spokesperson with the sheriff's office tells ABC7 News he would look into the allegations about an inmate with a broken jaw.
The deputies are being in a jail outside of Santa Clara County. The district attorney's office is reviewing the case before deciding to press charges. Under the law, prisoners must be arraigned within 72 hours, but that doesn't count weekends or holidays. So if they're charged, the deputies may not face a judge until Tuesday.
"The disappointment and disgust that I feel can not be overstated." - Sheriff
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
All 3 correctional deputies did not give statements and requested attorneys.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
All 3 are in a jail outside of Santa Clara County. Given "no special treatment." Sheriff can not disclose evidence her office has.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Michael Tyree was naked and covered in feces and vomit when correctional deputy found him in jail cell.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Correctional deputies are currently on unpaid administrative leave following arrests.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Cause of inmate Michael Tyree's death is: Internal bleeding due to blunt force trauma.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Abrasions, contusions, lacerations and internal bleeding being described now. "He bled to death internally." Matter of death is homicide.
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Attorneys representing Michael Tyree's family have taken the podium. pic.twitter.com/3TKclYFmeZ
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Attorney for inmate's family: "Michael suffered with mental illness... His sisters are heartbroken at loss .. Both parents recently died."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Attorney: "Michael Tyree's family is grateful to Sheriff Smith."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Attorney "it was done appropriately, methodically and swiftly" to hold those accountable. The family says "thank you so much."
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015
Sheriff Smith "We want to do a better job in the future." On not releasing info: We found it necessary to protect integrity of investigation
— Melanie Woodrow (@MelanieWoodrow) September 3, 2015