Calipatria prison investigates inmate homicide

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Calipatria State Prison (CAL) officials are currently investigating the death of an inmate.

CAL officials say 21-year-old Joseph Martinez died after two other inmates attacked him February 14.

Inmates Robert A. Garcia and Brian Figueroa attacked Martinez on the prison yard. Correctional officers used chemical agents and non lethal rounds to stop the attack.

CAL says Martinez suffered numerous puncture wounds to his body and was taken to Calipatria's medical facility.

He was pronounced dead at 4:32 p.m.

He was serving a 24-year-to-life-sentence for attempted first-degree murder, among other charges.

The two suspects have been re-housed in an Administrative Segregation Unit, pending further investigation.

24-year-old Garcia is serving 50 years-to-life, for first -degree murder, and 26-year old Figueroa is serving life for second-degree murder, his second strike.

The Imperial County District Attorney's Office is assisting with the investigation.