California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the death of an inmate at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) as a homicide.
On March 9, 2026, at approximately 1400 hours, officers found Inmate Gabriel Otero, 33, unresponsive. Staff immediately initiated life-saving measures on Otero and activated 911. The Del Norte County Coroner pronounced Otero deceased at approximately 1500 hours.
Otero’s cellmate has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by the PBSP Investigative Services Unit and the Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office. The office of the Inspector General has been notified.
Otero, 33, was received from Monterey County on July 16, 2021. He was sentenced to 35 years for second-degree robbery, second striker, with enhancements for a street gang act in commission of a violent felony, use of firearm, and prior felony conviction of serious offense.
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