Inmate Dies After Apparent Suicide Attempt in Pinellas County Jail
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Robbery/Homicide Unit is investigating the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive in his cell’s shower last week, with what authorities believe was a self-inflicted injury. Derrick Diestelmeier, 38, was pronounced deceased on July 6, 2025, after being hospitalized since June 30.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Diestelmeier was discovered at approximately 8:24 a.m. on June 30 in the shower area of his cell. Detectives state he had a portion of his bed sheet wrapped around his neck, secured to metal piping within the shower.
Detention staff and medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures before Diestelmeier was transported to a local hospital. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries six days later…