Saul Alvarez
Saul Alvarez died on April 4, 2025, while held at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Tucson, and sources place him at the Cimarron Unit. He was one of three men who died in the same incident. The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry first described the events as a fight, and a preliminary report said a single prisoner intended to harm the three men. In May 2026 the Pinal County Attorney's office said another prisoner, Ricky Wassenaar, had killed Alvarez, and prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty; Wassenaar has reportedly confessed, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. Prison officials say another prisoner killed Saul Alvarez during a fight, and prosecutors and the accused man's confession describe the same killing by a fellow prisoner.
Reported by: Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (the agency that held him); Arizona Department of Corrections Inspector General (outside investigators); Pinal County Attorney's Office; Ricky Wassenaar (confession to the Arizona Mirror).
News reports (10)
- Altercation results in three dead at Tucson prison complex
- Trial date set for murder trial of inmate accused of killing three fellow prisoners
- 3 dead after ‘altercation’ in Arizona State Prison
- 3 inmates killed in fight Az State Prison in Tucson; Suspect already serving life for 2004 prison standoff
- Investigation into Tucson prisoner’s deaths ongoing
- He confessed to killing 3 other inmates months ago. The DOC just referred charges for the slayings.
- He confessed to killing 3 other Tucson inmates months ago. The DOC just referred charges for the slayings.
- Pinal County seeking death penalty against Ricky Wassenaar
- Death penalty sought against confessed Tucson prison inmate killer
- Inmate accused of killing 3 other prisoners, including child sex offenders, to face trial