Inmate Robert Aranda Died After Being Stabbed By Cellmate At Mule Creek State Prison In Amador County

AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (August 29, 2023) – A 23-year-old man identified as Robert Aranda has tragically died following an attack at the Mule Creek State Prison in Amador County.

Amador County officials are saying that the incident began around 1:40 p.m. on Thursday. Correctional officers noticed that Robert Aranda was unresponsive in his cell with multiple stab wounds.

Medical staff were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Robert Aranda was transported to the Mule Creek State Prison treatment and triage center, but was later pronounced dead.

The victim’s 38-year-old cellmate is suspected in the attack and was moved to a segregated unit. A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.

 

Liability For Amador County Inmate Deaths

Assaults within state and federal prisons are unfortunately very common. According to Mother Jones, “19% of all male inmates in US prisons say they’ve been physically assaulted by other inmates. 21% say they’ve been assaulted by prison staff. The last study released by the Department of Justice, in 2001, found that the rate of inmate-on-inmate assaults was 38 percent higher at private prisons than at public prisons.” Prison assaults are often preventable when the right safety protocols are followed.

• All prisons should be adequately staffed.
• Correctional officers should remain alert and be properly trained.
• Violent inmates should typically be segregated away from non-violent inmates.

Inmates have a legal right to live in a reasonably safe environment. This includes having certain protections from attacks against other inmates. If jail officials have specific knowledge of particular threats to an inmate, they must protect that inmate. When jail officials knowingly fail to protect an inmate at risk of serious harm, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. For example, an inmate may have claimed that they intended to harm or kill another inmate. There are several steps that should be taken after any in-custody death.

• Surveillance footage should be sought.
• The actions or inaction of correctional officers should be understood.
• An independent autopsy may need to be performed.
• A civil rights attorney should be contacted.

Jails are supposed to be places of rehabilitation. But far too often, they become dens of neglect and violence. It does not have to be this way. The family of any inmate that died in -custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, though, jails will often fight hard to deny liability for any inmate that dies in their care. This is one of the reasons that every in custody death should be properly investigated by an outside party.

 

Investigating Amador County Inmate Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Robert Aranda. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be some accountability for what took place for the sake of the victim’s family.

Do you need more information about an inmate death at the Mule Creek State Prison in Amador County? Our team of civil rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We focus on helping people who have been the victims of prison abuse or neglect. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we may be able to assist you. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at  (949) 825-5200.