Officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are investigating the death of an incarcerated man at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad as a homicide, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to the CDCR, the incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Oct. 14, when correctional staff witnessed inmate Orlando M. Ochoa assaulting another incarcerated person, Israel M. Mendoza. Officers immediately intervened, deploying chemical agents to stop the attack and restrain Ochoa, officials said.

Staff members began life-saving efforts on Mendoza and called 911. He was transported to the prison’s triage and treatment area, where paramedics pronounced him dead at 5:52 p.m., according to the CDCR.

Ochoa, 40, was moved to restricted housing while the prison’s Investigati

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