Investigation Launched After Inmate Found Dead at Mule Creek State Prison
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Robert E. Cole, an inmate at Mule Creek State Prison in California. Cole’s body was discovered unresponsive in his cell on Friday morning, leading to an inquiry focused on his cellmate.
Details of the Incident
Correctional officers found the 48-year-old Cole at approximately 6:30 AM, but despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reported the incident as a suspected homicide.
Background of the Deceased
Cole had been serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for a series of violent sexual offenses, including the sexual assault of minors and other aggravated sexual crimes. His prior convictions included having sexual relations with a child under the age of ten, among other serious offenses.
Cellmate Under Investigation
Justin P. Welsh, 36, Cole’s cellmate, has been placed in restricted housing during the investigation, which is being conducted by both the prison authorities and the Amador County District Attorney’s Office. Welsh has a criminal history that includes an 18-year sentence for firearm assault and domestic violence-related injuries.
The Context of Violence in Prisons
The violence against sex offenders, particularly those convicted of crimes against children, is a documented concern within correctional facilities. A study conducted by the Associated Press in 2015 indicated that while male sex offenders represented about 15% of California’s prison population, they accounted for approximately 30% of inmate homicides.
Prison History and Recent Violence
Mule Creek State Prison, which opened its doors in 1987, houses over 3,800 inmates and has been the site of notable violent incidents in the past. This includes the case of David Brinson, a life-sentenced murderer who infamously killed his wife during a conjugal visit.
Cole’s death marks a continuation of troubling trends within California’s prisons, following recent incidents where inmates were injured or killed in violent altercations at various facilities, including Monterey County Jail and other state prisons.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The Amador County Coroner’s Office is tasked with determining the official cause of Cole’s death, while the investigation continues to explore all aspects of the incident.