LASD deputy died from ‘effects of methamphetamine,’ medical examiner finds

Deputy Jonathan Stewart, 41, was found unresponsive at the South L.A. Sheriff’s Station on April 27

June 21, 2024 10:49 AM

LODD Stewart — Stewart joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 and later worked at the Inmate Reception Center before transferring to the South Los Angeles Station in 2014.

By Keri Blakinger
Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — More than a month after the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced the “unexpected passing” of a deputy, medical examiner records now show he died from the effects of methamphetamine.

Deputy Jonathan Stewart was found unresponsive at the South L.A. Sheriff’s Station late April 27, according to news reports at the time. Paramedics were called, but the 41-year-old died at the scene. The department offered few details about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Now, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s website attributes the cause of Stewart’s death to “effects of methamphetamine.” The site does not list any secondary or contributing cause, but indicates the death was deemed an accident and the case is still open.

It was not clear whether officials found any drug paraphernalia or illicit substances at the scene of Stewart’s death. On Thursday morning, the medical examiner’s office did not immediately respond to further questions.

Trending

Investigations

‘Send law enforcement now': 2 Idaho firefighters killed, another wounded in intentional wildfire ambush

Nearly 300 officers and multiple agencies searched rugged terrain after a shooter targeted firefighters responding to a deliberately set fire on Canfield Mountain

June 30, 2025 11:13 AM

Sarah Roebuck

Officer Down

Milwaukee officer dies from injuries days after being ambushed

Officer Kendall Corder, 32, died after he and another officer were shot while responding to a weapons call

June 30, 2025 10:29 AM

Sarah Roebuck

Officer-Involved Shootings

Video: Calif. suspect rams, shoots at ex-girlfriend’s car with child inside before OIS

Surveillance and body-worn camera video capture the suspect smashing into the victim’s vehicle, firing a round and causing a collision with a responding Fresno PD cruiser

June 30, 2025 11:16 AM

Community Relations

Uniformed NYPD group again barred from Pride March over weapons policy

The NYPD commissioner condemned event organizers for seeking police protection while excluding LGBTQ officers from marching, noting that policy requires uniformed cops to carry their weapons

June 30, 2025 10:47 AM

A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department did not immediately offer comment.

Stewart joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2006 and later worked at the Inmate Reception Center before transferring to the South Los Angeles Station in 2014. The department said previously that he became a field training officer in 2020 and held that position until he died. He is survived by his wife and three children.

“Jonathan dedicated a decade serving the South Los Angeles community,” the department said in a statement in April. “He was respected and highly regarded by his peers and supervisors for his unwavering commitment.”

At the time, the Assn. of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs launched an online fundraiser to support Stewart’s widow and children.

His death came days before a sheriff’s deputy in the department’s anti-gang task force was arrested for allegedly smuggling heroin into a county jail, according to booking records and multiple law enforcement sources.

___

Investigations Officer Down