Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
PORTALES — A man facing a homicide trial next year was found dead in his cell at the Roosevelt County Detention Center on Friday afternoon. County officials said they believe Manuel Silva committed suicide.
Silva, 23, was found unresponsive in his cell, according to Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton.
Emergency services and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office were immediately dispatched to the scene, she said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Silva’s family and friends during this time of loss” Hamilton said.
“Roosevelt County is offering counseling services to both detainees and staff members as they work through this tragedy.”
Detention Center Administrator Justin Porter confirmed Silva was the only occupant in the cell, but wouldn’t discuss other details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Silva was facing charges in connection with the April 7 shooting death of Adam Holts. He was arrested April 14 in Clovis following a high-speed chase, and held in the Curry County Detention Center until last week.
He was transported to the Roosevelt County Detention Center and booked Wednesday following Tuesday’s filing of an order for transport. The order was filed in regard to Silva’s scheduled pretrial conference Aug. 8. The trial was initially scheduled for March 31-April 3 of next year.
Officials said the last suicide in the Roosevelt facility was more than seven years ago. Darrell Lewis of Clovis was found hanging in his cell Dec. 19, 2011, and died the next day in a Lubbock hospital.