Timothy Whelan
Timothy Whelan, 56, was held in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano when he died on May 21, 2025. CDCR said he was attacked by other incarcerated men using an improvised weapon, and that staff used verbal orders and chemical agents to end the attack before he was taken to the prison's treatment area, where he was pronounced dead at 2:12 p.m. The department is investigating the death as a homicide, and the Kern County Coroner will determine the official cause of death. Two men named in the attack were moved to restricted housing while the investigation continues.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. CDCR says two other incarcerated men attacked Timothy Whelan with an improvised weapon, and it is investigating the death as a homicide.
Reported by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) (the agency that held him). The only account of how this person died comes from the agency that held him.
News reports (4)
- Kern Valley State Prison Officials Investigating the Death of an Incarcerated Person as a Homicide - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- 2 inmates under investigation in deadly attack at Kern Valley State Prison: CDCR
- Nesler accused in prison killing
- William Nesler Allegedly Connected To Prison Homicide