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Inmate suspected of killing cellmate at Lancaster prison

by The AV Times Staff • April 5, 2016

LANCASTER – A prisoner is suspected of killing his cellmate at the California State Prison in Lancaster, authorities said.

Inmate Porfirio Castro, 44, was found unresponsive in his cell at around 8:44 a.m. Sunday, April 3, prison officials said.

Guards immediately began lifesaving measures, but Castro was pronounced dead at 9:12 a.m., according to prison officials, who said the cause of death was pending an autopsy.

Castro had been serving a six-year sentence for second-degree robbery.

Castro’s cellmate, Robert Vasquez, 47, has been isolated from the rest of the prison population pending the outcome of an investigation by prison and Los Angeles County sheriff’s personnel, authorities said.

Castro, who has been in the state prison system since December 1989, was convicted in San Diego County of first-degree burglary.

The Lancaster prison opened in 1993 and houses about 3,500 prisoners, ranging from minimum- to high-security custody inmates.

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

5 comments for "Inmate suspected of killing cellmate at Lancaster prison"

  1. Benny says

    May 31, 2016 at 10:39 am

    To my brother pilo. I love you always in my hart

  2. MARIA A LIZARRAGA says

    April 16, 2016 at 4:40 pm

    one who cares I agree with you. These are our children, and no matter what we stand beside them. The only crime I would not protect is rapist, If the system knows of these mental issues, the need to care for them in a proper way. And of course you get humans that you can tell never gone through this. I have a son with mental issues and the system and justice department would not do anything to help him either. With hospital paper work and many years of counsiling paper work. Now they see it as evil. I say get the proper medical staff to help and the can live a proper life without demons, visions, and depression so severe..I met his sister and I can tell you she is a beautiful person. May he rest in peace. And to the people who criticize Karma will come, and you will feel what many of us do.

  3. Danny says

    April 6, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    And the problem is what ????

  4. one who cares says

    April 5, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    Number one Porfirio was never convicted in San Diego county for first degree burglary, second this young man had some unfortunately mental issues and was in the medical ward he was someones son,brother, and uncle. A lot of ppl may say who cares and that may be true but we did care for him. He was not a rapist, murderer, or child molester. He needed Help that our great country will give to others who come here from other countries but to our own he could never get the right help. He is at peace now and no longer have to fight with his demons. RIP PILO

    • Josie says

      April 8, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Condolences to his family.

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