California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the Oct. 14, 2025, death of an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as a homicide.
At approximately 1715 hours, officers observed Inmate Orlando M. Ochoa (T18944) assaulting Inmate Israel M. Mendoza (F59748) and immediately responded, utilizing chemical agents to stop the attack and restrain Ochoa. Staff began life-saving measures on Mendoza and activated 911. Mendoza was transported to the prison’s triage and treatment area where he was pronounced deceased by paramedics at 1752 hours.
Ochoa was placed in restricted housing pending investigation into this case by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit.
The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Mendoza’s official cause of death.
Mendoza, 40, was most recently received from Yolo County on Dec. 3, 2015, sentenced to 14 years for corporal injury on a specific person within seven years of a prior specific conviction and false imprisonment with violence as a second striker.
Ochoa, 40, was most recently received from San Bernardino County on Feb. 2, 2006, sentenced to five years for second-degree robbery. Los Angeles County also sentenced him on Jan. 7, 2009, to 32 years for voluntary manslaughter and second-degree robbery as a second striker.
