Associated Press
SUSANVILLE, Calif. — Authorities are investigating the death of a Northern California inmate fatally shot by a guard who was quelling a riot involving dozens of inmates.
Corrections officials say 23-year-old Jonathan Velarde was killed Sunday at California Correctional Center in Susanville. They announced the death Wednesday.
Pepper spray and at least four warning shots failed to stop about 45 inmates from fighting in a medium-security dining hall.
Officials say Velarde was attacking another inmate with a weapon when he was struck and killed by a fifth rifle bullet fired by a guard.
He was serving a two-year, eight-month sentence from Los Angeles County for attempted second-degree robbery and possessing marijuana for sale.
The prison 190 miles northeast of Sacramento houses about 4,800 inmates, many of whom are trained to help fight wildfires.