Corcoran state prison investigating inmate’s death as homicide; cellmate segregated
.png "The death of a California state prison inmate in Corcoran is being investigated as a homicide.")
The death of a 27-year-old inmate at the California state prison in Corcoran is being investigated as a homicide, officials said Sunday.
Officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said staff were conducting a security check about 10 p.m. Saturday when they noticed Antonio Vasquez covered in a blanket in his cell, according to a news release.
His cellmate, Adrian Madrigal, 31, refused to turn on the cell lights.
“Madrigal was removed from the cell and staff examined Vasquez, who was unresponsive,” the release states. “Staff began life-saving measures and 911 was called.”
Efforts to resuscitate Vasquez failed, and paramedics pronounced Vasquez dead about 11:06 p.m. Madrigal was placed in segregated housing as officials investigate the case as a possible homicide, according to the release.
The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is assisting the prison’s Investigative Services Unit, and the Office of the Inspector General has been informed.
Vasquez was transferred to Corcoran from Los Angeles County on Oct. 9, 2014. He was serving a 22-year sentence for second-degree attempted murder, according to the release.
Madrigal was transferred from Napa County on March 21, 2019. He is serving a 33-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter.
This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 2:11 PM.
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