Sheriff: Jail inmate hangs himself

A Tehama County jail inmate apparently hung himself in his cell on Monday, the Sheriff's Department reported.

Robert Michael Rupe, 27, of Red Bluff, was found about 6:10 p.m. hanging from a bed sheet tied to his bunk, which was turned up on end.

He was declared dead 20 minutes later after live-saving efforts by jail and medical staff, the department reported.

Sheriff's and District Attorney investigators said Rupe had previously attempted suicide in 2010, but had told jail staff at the time of his booking he was not having suicidal thoughts.

Rupe had been arrested by Red Bluff police at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday and booked on suspicion of second-degree burglary, grand theft and making threats.

Bail was set at $65,000.

He was housed in a single cell inside a secure housing unit in the jail, and had shown no distress during his last contact with correctional officers about an hour before he was found dead.

On the day of his arrest, Rupe was served with an emergency protective order keeping him away from members of his family, who were reported to be the victims of his alleged crimes.

Rupe was accused of stealing prescription medications and a gun from his father's safe, and following his arrest making threats to his parents.

The Sheriff's Department said the preliminary investigation is complete pending the results of the scheduled autopsy.