by David M. Reutter

Two California prisoners were killed in two separate incidents of prisoner-on-prisoner violence in two days in early October 2022.

The first incident occurred on the afternoon of October 4, 2022, at California State Prison in Sacramento. Investigators named Selso E. Orcozco, Jr., 41, and Mike A. Calderon, 36, as suspects in the murder of 36-year-old Filipe Rodriguez on the recreation yard. Two prison-made weapons were recovered.

Rodriguez was serving life sentences, including one with the possibility of parole, for crimes including mayhem, extortion, attempted murder, and kidnapping resulting in death. Orozco is serving a 23-year sentence on robbery and other charges. Calderon is serving a non-parolable life sentence for first-degree murder.

In a separate incident at Salinas Valley State Prison on October 5, 2022, Robert Tunstall, 64, was attacked and killed on the recreation yard. He was sentenced in 1976 to life in prison with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder. Officials found a prison-made weapon and named Lawrence Adams, 42, a suspect in the murder. Adams was sentenced in 2007 to life in prison as a ‘third striker’ for arson and other charges. Since his incarceration, he has been sentenced to additional time for two attacks on other prisoners at separate prisons.

No motive was mentioned for the murders. That they involve prisoners with life or virtual life sentences with no realistic chance of release should serve as a red flag to politicians. When people are placed in prison with no incentive to change, few will act to improve themselves. The lack of incentives – along with rampant gang control and staff shortages – plague prisons nationwide. As a result, violence and corruption is increasing inside prisons. Because of the nature of prions, the depth of the problem is hidden from public view. Sadly, it is only when multiple murders or atrocious attacks occur that a small beam of light is cast inside a prison to expose the depravity and violence that occur daily behind bars.

Source: Merced Sun-Star

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