Roberts Identified as Inmate who Died in Custody

By Dave Eubanks

Scotts Bluff County Attorney

An adult male inmate of the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center was found unresponsive by staff on Friday, December 1, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Officers performed CPR and used an AED in attempts to resuscitate the male, who was transported to Regional West Medical Center by Valley Ambulance.

Medical staff declared the male deceased at approximately 8:00 p.m. the same night.

Because this was an in-custody death, Nebraska law requires a grand jury investigation.

The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting the death investigation, and an autopsy took place this morning.

The male was alone in a cell at the time of this occurrence. At this time there is no sign of foul play or self-harm.

David C. Roberts, age 46, of Scottsbluff NE is the male detainee that passed away.

He was arrested on November 29, 2023 on a violation of the Nebraska sex offender registry.