California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the Oct. 17 death of an inmate at High Desert State Prison as a homicide.
According to a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, at approximately 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 staff observed Eddie Ruiz attempting to obscure the view into his assigned cell. Officers informed Eddie Ruiz to remove the blockage and observed blood and cellmate Roman Ruiz with visible wounds. Eddie Ruiz was removed from the cell and secured. Responding officers entered the cell and attempted life saving measures on Roman Ruiz. Roman Ruiz was pronounced deceased at 4:29 p.m. by medical officials.
No weapon was discovered at the scene and an investigation has been initiated by the HDSP Investigative Services Unit.
The Office of the Inspector General was notified and the Lassen County Coroner will determine Ruiz’s official cause of death.
Eddie Ruiz, 36, was received from Santa Clara County on Dec. 26, 2018 for murder.
Roman Ruiz, 33, was received from San Joaquin County on Dec. 31, 2015 for attempted murder.
