BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Officials at California State Prison, Corcoran (COR) are investigating the death of 27-year-old inmate Antonio Vasquez as a homicide.

On Saturday June 6, 2020, officials said at approximately 10 p.m., prison staff conducting a security check noticed Vasquez in his cell covered in a blanket. Staff said Vasquez’ cell mate, Adrian Madrigal, refused to turn on the cell light and additional staff members were immediately summoned.

Officials said Madrigal was removed from the cell and staff examined Vasquez, who was unresponsive. Staff began life-saving measures and 911 was called. Madrigal was transported to the prison’s Correctional Treatment Center and medical measures continued but were unsuccessful. At 11:06 p.m., a paramedic pronounced Vasquez deceased.

According to Corcoran, Madrigal, 31, was placed in segregated housing pending an investigation. Officials said the Kings County District Attorney’s Office is assisting COR’s Investigative Services Unit on the investigation. The Office of the Inspector General has been notified according to Corcoran.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said they received Vasquez from Los Angeles County on Oct. 9, 2014. He was sentenced to 22 years for second degree attempted murder. The CDCR said Madrigal was received from Napa County on March 21, 2019 and that he was sentenced to 33 years, four months for voluntary manslaughter.