Juan Trujillo : Fatal California Prison Stabbing: 8 Inmates Charged – Golden Gate Media

Two of the alleged attackers were also transported to outside medical facilities and are currently in fair condition.
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CDCR

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) officials are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of Juan Trujillo, a 50-year-old inmate. Trujillo was brutally attacked by a group of fellow inmates on Monday, February 5, 2024. The incident took place around 10:30 a.m. on a recreational yard.

Details of the Attack

The attackers, namely Zackary Holguin, Edwin Perez, Kevin Tello, Daniel Mendivil, Javier Castaneda, Robert Toki, Kevin Barrera, and Eric Castilleja, reportedly assaulted Trujillo using weapons manufactured by inmates. Despite staff orders to cease the attack, the assailants continued their assault, prompting the use of chemical agents to intervene.

Medical Response

Immediately after the incident, medical staff were summoned and discovered that Trujillo had suffered multiple puncture wounds, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Life-saving measures were initiated, and he was promptly transported to an external medical facility. Tragically, at approximately 11:41 a.m., a physician pronounced Trujillo dead.

Two of the alleged attackers were also transported to outside medical facilities, where they are currently in fair condition. Fortunately, no staff members or other inmates were harmed during the incident.

Inmate Backgrounds

Juan Trujillo, who was recently transferred to KVSP from Los Angeles County on February 14, 2008, was serving a 29-year sentence for second-degree robbery as a second striker with firearm enhancements.

The Office of the Inspector General has been notified, and the official cause of Trujillo’s death will be determined by the Kern County Coroner.

Criminal Histories of the Alleged Attackers

• Kevin Barrera, 29, is serving 36 years for voluntary manslaughter, attempted second-degree murder, assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, resisting/deterring an officer with threats or violence, and battery on a non-inmate.
• Javier Castaneda, 37, is serving 24 years for attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, second-degree robbery, and second-degree burglary. He has prior felony convictions, use of a firearm, and inflicting great bodily injury enhancements.
• Eric Castilleja, 34, is serving life with the possibility of parole for attempted second-degree murder, discharge of a firearm in an inhabited dwelling, vehicle, or aircraft, second-degree robbery, and criminal gang activity. He has prior felony convictions, intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death, street gang activity, and third-striker enhancements.
• Zackary Holguin, 25, is serving 12 years and four months for assault with a deadly weapon. He has enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, and possession/ownership of a firearm by a felon or addict.
• Daniel Mendivil, 45, is serving 11 years for assault with a deadly weapon as a second striker. He also has an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury.
• Edwin Perez, 36, is serving life with the possibility of parole for carjacking and second-degree murder. He has additional sentences for assault by a prisoner and possession or manufacture of a deadly weapon by a prisoner.
• Kevin Tello, 34, is serving 27 years for second-degree robbery. He has enhancements for street gang activity and committing a new felony within five years of completing a prior prison term. He also has an additional sentence for assault by a prisoner with force likely to cause great bodily injury.
• Robert Toki, 32, is serving 12 years for criminal threat to cause great bodily injury or death as a second striker, battery on a non-prisoner, and possession/manufacture of a deadly weapon by a prisoner. He also has additional sentences for assault by a prisoner and aggravated battery on a peace officer by gassing.