Suspect accused of killing California VA boss dies by apparent suicide in Philadelphia jail cell

A former VA Loma Linda Healthcare System employee suspected of killing his ex-boss in a work-related dispute last month died Saturday after hanging himself in a Philadelphia jail cell while awaiting extradition to California, according to media reports.

Paul Alexander Warren, who lived in the Mira Loma neighborhood of Jurupa Valley, was found in his cell at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, when a lieutenant responded and attempted to revive him, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported, citing internal records.

“Upon preliminary review, it appears that a nurse and a correctional officer interacted with the inmate only a few minutes before he was discovered,” John Mitchell, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, said in a statement.

Warren, 58, was transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he died Saturday, Dec. 21. He was scheduled to have a hearing Monday in Philadelphia Municipal Court.

Warren was accused of fatally stabbing 43-year-old VA Loma Linda Chief Supply Chain Officer Joshua Watson at his Rancho Cucamonga home in the 13100 block of Joliet Drive on the evening of Nov. 25, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. The attacker fled before deputies arrived.

Charging documents filed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office allege Warren used a knife to kill Watson, who is a former Marine, and that the slaying indicated “planning, sophistication or professionalism.”

Warren also was suspected of using his position of trust or confidence to carry out the crime.

The District Attorney’s Office issued a statement saying it was confident in its case against Warren.

“First and foremost, we extend send our continued condolences to the surviving family of Joshua Watson,” said Jacquelyn Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office. “Our office believed we could prove beyond reasonable doubt the defendant’s premeditation and guilt. Although the new circumstances will result in a case dismissal, we commend the thorough investigation and capture of the defendant by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.”

Officials with VA Loma Linda did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Warren’s death.

Confirming the fears of VA Loma Linda employees who believed Watson could have been targeted by a former employee with a grudge, the Sheriff’s Department said the killing appeared to be work-related but did not elaborate on the specific motive.

Philadelphia police arrested Warren on Dec. 9. Public records indicate he is originally from the city and has relatives there.

According to several VA Loma Linda employees, Warren often spoke of employment difficulties, complaining that his bosses wanted to fire him for unauthorized absences due to an arm injury.

At the time of the slaying, Warren, a former inventory management specialist, no longer worked at VA Loma Linda, but it remains unclear if he had been terminated or resigned.

Warren was employed at VA Loma Linda at least since 2015, most recently in the Logistics Department, according to federal pay records. His salary was $64,879 in 2023, the records show.

Warren’s death occurred the same day that a memorial service was held for Watson at Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.

Watson joined VA Loma Linda in June 2022 and had been its chief supply chain officer for about three months, according to his LinkedIn profile.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.