BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Officials at Kern Valley State Prison are investigating the death of an inmate, German M. Merino, as a homicide following an attack on March 7, 2025.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, officers observed inmates Gilbert Garcia and Rodolfo Cortez assaulting Merino in the dayroom at 5:47 p.m.
Staff intervened immediately, halting the attack and initiating life-saving measures while activating emergency services. Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel, Merino was pronounced dead at 6:22 p.m…