Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) officials are conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Juan Trujillo, a 50-year-old incarcerated individual, after he was attacked by a group of fellow inmates on Monday, February 5, 2024. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. on a recreational yard.
The alleged attackers, identified as Zackary Holguin, Edwin Perez, Kevin Tello, Daniel Mendivil, Javier Castaneda, Robert Toki, Kevin Barrera, and Eric Castilleja, reportedly assaulted Trujillo with inmate-manufactured weapons. Despite orders from staff to stop, the assailants continued the attack, prompting the use of chemical agents to intervene.
Medical staff was immediately summoned, and Trujillo was found to have sustained multiple puncture wounds, the CDCR said. Life-saving measures were initiated, and he was swiftly transported to an external medical facility. Unfortunately, Trujillo was pronounced deceased by a physician at approximately 11:41 a.m., the CDCR added.
Two of the alleged attackers were also transported to outside medical facilities and are currently in fair condition. No staff members or other incarcerated individuals were injured during the incident.