Deaths in Custody
Died in prison

Joseph Mendoza

36 years old · died April 8, 2025 · Salinas Valley State Prison, Monterey County, California

Joseph Mendoza, 36, of Merced, was held at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, California. His father said he had been attending Merced College and hoped to become an illustrator of children's books, and his wife Celina Mendoza and parents Zina Kumetat and Ismael Mendoza have spoken publicly about his death. He died on April 8, 2025, after the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said two other incarcerated men attacked him with improvised weapons in a dayroom and staff used less-than-lethal force to end it. His family's federal lawsuit alleges officers watched the attack without intervening, did not use weapons or call for backup, and delayed medical care, and that he had asked to be moved out of fear for his safety; the state denies wrongdoing, and these allegations have not been decided.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed; neglect alleged). The family's federal lawsuit says correctional officers watched the attack without intervening, did not call for backup, and delayed medical care, and that Mendoza had asked to be moved out of fear for his safety; the state denies wrongdoing by staff.

Reported by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (the agency that held him); California Attorney General Rob Bonta (outside investigators); his family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers); news reports of the video of the attack.

Lawsuit: His family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, alleging officers failed to intervene and delayed medical care, and the state has denied the allegations.

News reports (4)

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