At 1031 hours, Inmate Miguel Espino attacked and murdered Inmate Michael Spengler. Officers used several uses of force options in an attempt to stop Espino’s attack to include chemical agent grenades and 40mm launchers.
Officers were able to stop the attack and immediately called for medical assistance and 911. Responding paramedics pronounced Spengler deceased at 11:08 a.m. No staff or additional inmates were injured.
Espino has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. Officers recovered one inmate-manufactured weapon at the scene. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Spengler’s official cause of death.
Spengler, 38, was most recently received from Los Angeles County on Aug. 9, 2022, to serve life without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and second-degree murder.
Espino, 31, was received from Riverside County on Feb. 8, 2024, to serve life with the possibility of parole for attempted first-degree murder, inflict great bodily injury, and personal use of dangerous or deadly weapon; aggravated mayhem; and arson of inhabited structure and felony arson violation with special circumstances.
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