Crime & Safety
Homicide Charge Filed After Inmate's Fentanyl Overdose Death In San Mateo County Jail: Police
The district attorney's office had filed the charge but the coroner's office has now confirmed the cause of death, officials said.
REDWOOD CITY, CA — Authorities have determined the cause of death for an inmate who died last September in a Redwood City jail was a fatal overdose due to the toxic effects of fentanyl, and the woman accused of supplying the drugs to the victim has been charged with homicide, police announced Friday.
The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office said 31-year-old Markeisha Monique Renee Blount died accidentally from fentanyl toxicity. This finding supports the Sheriff's Office investigation, which concluded that 34-year-old Ashley J. Gromnicki brought the illegal drugs into the jail and gave them to Blount.
The incident occurred early on the morning of September 29, 2025. Jail staff noticed Blount was in distress and immediately began trying to save her life, including administering Narcan until medical personnel arrived. Despite these efforts, Blount died at the jail.
Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The District Attorney’s Office has since filed homicide charges against Gromnicki, who remains in custody as her court case proceeds.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
