Inmate death at Kern Valley State Prison under investigation as homicide

Authorities at Kern Valley State Prison are investigating the death of an inmate on Independence Day as a suspected homicide, according to a statement released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Prison staff discovered 22-year-old Fernando Camarillo-Cervantes lying unresponsive on the floor of his cell at approximately 6:21 a.m. on July 4. He appeared to have sustained serious injuries, and his cellmate, identified as 50-year-old Albert Gonzalez, was present in the cell at the time, officials said.

Correctional officers responded immediately, activating a Code 1 Medical Emergency and initiating life-saving measures. Paramedics arrived on site, but Camarillo-Cervantes was pronounced dead at 7 a.m. in the prison’s triage and treatment area.

No other injuries were reported, and movement has been restricted in the housing unit where the incident occurred to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Gonzalez has been placed in restricted housing as the prison’s Investigative Services Unit and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office conduct a joint investigation. The Office of the Inspector General has also been notified, and the Kern County Coroner will determine the official cause of death.

Camarillo-Cervantes was serving a 21-year sentence from Santa Barbara County for voluntary manslaughter, with an enhancement for the use of a firearm. He was also serving a concurrent three-year sentence for assault with a firearm. In 2023, while incarcerated, he received an additional three-year sentence for manufacturing a deadly weapon.

Gonzalez was most recently returned to prison in 2019 with an 11-year sentence from Los Angeles County for carjacking, with an enhancement related to a prior serious felony conviction. He was also sentenced to an additional eight months for firearm-related charges from San Bernardino County.

The case remains under active investigation as officials work to determine the full circumstances surrounding Camarillo-Cervantes’ death. Authorities say additional details will be released as they become available.