WASCO, Calif. — Officials at Wasco State Prison are investigating the July 8, death of 33-year-old inmate Jose Mendoza as a homicide.

Wednesday night, Wasco State Prison Officers responded to an inmate altercation where 23-year-old Jose Carrera and 24-year-old Erk Sabaiz hit Mendoza repeatedly with their fists.

Mendoza fell to the ground during the incident, hitting his head.

Other staff immediately responded as Carrera and Sabaiz moved away.

When medical staff arrived, they tried life-saving measures, but Mendoza succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.