BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The parents of a man who was serving a life sentence for murder when he was stabbed to death have filed a lawsuit against North Kern State Prison, alleging prison staff ignored his requests to be placed in protective custody after receiving threats from other inmates.
The wrongful death lawsuit filed last month by the parents of Josafat Bonifacio seeks damages in an amount to be determined. A hearing is scheduled later this year.
Both the prison and the state of California are named as defendants.
On Sept. 28, 2023, Bonifacio, 32, was attacked in a common area, suffering multiple stab wounds inflicted by a makeshift weapon, according to court filings. He died while being transported to a medical facility.
The suit says Bonifacio had repeatedly asked to be placed in protective custody, letting multiple staff members and his counselor know he feared for his safety.
“They did not move him to a protective custody unit, isolate him from the known threats, or take any other precautionary measures,” the suit says of prison officials. “Instead, they kept Mr. Bonifacio in general population and allowed other inmates to learn of his request for protective custody.”