Juan Ramon Rodriguez-Barbosa
Juan Ramon Rodriguez-Barbosa, 47, was found hanging in his cell in the segregated housing unit at FCI Mendota, a federal prison west of Fresno, California, on May 24, 2021, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers were making required checks every 30 minutes when they found him, according to Associated Press reporting. The Bureau of Prisons says staff responded with life-saving measures. Two people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that staffing shortages, with about half of correctional officer posts filled by workers whose regular duties do not include guarding people, meant some staff who would normally respond could not leave their posts.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The Associated Press reports he was found hanging in his cell, and two people familiar with the matter told AP that staffing shortages kept some staff who would normally respond from leaving their posts, while the Bureau of Prisons says staff responded immediately.
Reported by: Associated Press (reporters).