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Cook County Jail Inmate Dies, Cause Unknown

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Questions remain about the death of a 20-year-old Chicago area man who had been in custody for several days before he died.

Angel Cruz was charged with attempted murder, accused of stabbing his mother and stepfather several times in their home.

He was admitted to one hospital for psychiatric care last week, released after two days, and then taken to Cook County Jail's Cermak Hospital the following day.

On Sunday, Cruz was taken to Saint Anthony Hospital, and pronounced dead.

"There were no apparent signs of foul play whatsoever," said Cara Smith, chief policy officer for Sheriff Tom Dart. "We'll wait to see what the outcome of the toxicology tests show."

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Those are the tests the medical examiner is also waiting for.

Smith said the jail's Cermak Hospital had noted bruising on Cruz's body when he was admitted.

"We are waiting to see what the medical examiner's office concludes. There were no apparent signs or concerns about foul play in conjunction with this young man's death," she said.

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