John Robert Thurs
John R. Thurs, 56, died on May 7, 2021, after he was stabbed on a recreation yard at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa, San Diego County, where he was held. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said three people attacked him, and he was taken to an outside hospital, where he died that evening. The department and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit are investigating the death as a homicide, and three people have been identified as suspects. The Sacramento Bee reported that investigators recovered a makeshift weapon at the scene, according to prison officials.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said three fellow inmates attacked and stabbed him on a prison recreation yard, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit is investigating the death as a homicide.
Reported by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (the agency that held him); San Diego County Sheriff's Department Homicide Unit (outside investigators).