Inmate Killed In State Prison
WASCO, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities are investigating the suspected killing of an inmate at the Wasco state prison north of Los Angeles.
State prisons spokesman, Lt. Robert Mazuka, says a 35-year-old inmate was found dead at about 12:45 a.m. Wednesday in his cell during a security check.
Mazuka says the Kern County coroner must determine the cause of death but a 31-year-old cellmate is suspected of killing him.
Their names and other details aren't being released but the death will be reviewed by the state's Inspector General Bureau.
Officials say the prisoner arrived at Wasco from the Los Angeles County jail on March 1 to serve a 16-month sentence for possessing a controlled substance. He'd done time previously for petty theft and burglary.
The suspect is serving a life sentence for kidnapping and rape.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
