23-091 Detectives Investigate Inmate Death; Does Not Appear to be Suspicious in Nature
Inmate Death
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
Department of Detention and Corrections
Richard Cullens (Inmate – Deceased)
DOB: 4/29/1958
Charges: Violation of Injunction for Protection Against Repeated Domestic Violence and Failure to Appear for Violation of Injunction for Protection.
PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the death of 65-year-old inmate Richard Cullens.
Detectives say Cullens was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on May 23, 2023, after being arrested by deputies for Violation of Injunction for Protection Against Repeated Domestic Violence and Failure to Appear for Violation of Injunction for Protection.
According to detectives, on July 6, 2023, at approximately 7:50 p.m., Cullens was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies and medical staff performed life-saving measures on Cullens until paramedics responded to assist. Cullens was pronounced deceased at 8:28 p.m.
Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives have found no evidence to believe Cullens had been in any physical altercations or suffered any injuries while incarcerated.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will work to determine the cause and manner of death.
Cullens’ next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
