According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, there is an ongoing investigation regarding the death of an inmate at High Desert State Prison who died of his injuries after being involved in a physical altercation with another inmate and possibly being hit in the head with a less lethal 40mm round fired by an officer.
According to CDCR, about 7:18 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, correctional staff observed Inmate Jarray Birdon, 38, and another inmate in a fight. Staff quickly responded, first issuing verbal orders to stop and get down, which were ignored. As the altercation continued, Birdon was struck several times in the face and head by the aggressor’s fists and knee before falling to the ground. Staff used one less lethal 40mm direct impact round and chemical agents to quell the fight.
During the altercation, Birdon also had injuries consistent with being hit in the head with the 40mm round. The other unidentified inmate involved in the altercation sustained a fractured right hand. No staff were injured during the incident.
Staff quickly summoned emergency services. Birdon was transported to an outside hospital where he remained until Friday, June 7, and at 12:41 p.m. he was pronounced deceased.
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