Sheriff’s Office Investigates In-Custody Death (1)

WICHITA, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 61-year-old Valley Center man who died Thursday, July 30, 2026, while in the custody of the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.

John Matthew Rockwell died Thursday afternoon at a local hospital, where he was being treated for a pre-existing cardiac condition.

Rockwell had been in custody since July 17 on a probation violation. He was hospitalized July 27. His condition worsened July 28, and doctors placed him on life support.

Sheriff’s Office personnel notified Rockwell’s family and allowed them to visit him at the hospital. His family later authorized the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.

As required by Kansas law and Sheriff’s Office protocol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was notified of the death.

Rockwell’s death is the third in-custody death involving the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility in 2026.

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