Fabian Cardoza
Fabian Cardoza, 20, was the father of a 3-year-old son, Fabian Jr., according to his wife, Allyson Prak, who said people who make mistakes can turn their lives around. He was held at the Merced County Main Jail, where, according to court and autopsy records, two cellmates strangled him in a shower area in June 2018. News reports say staff did not find his body until about 24 hours later.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). Court and autopsy records say two cellmates strangled him in a shower area, and the Merced County sheriff's office reports the death as a homicide; the account says staff did not find his body for about 24 hours.
Reported by: Merced County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); autopsy records; court records.