Two incarcerated men at a Southern California state prison, who were convicted in San Diego County, are suspected to have been involved in the fatal stabbing of another inmate last week, state corrections officials reported on Wednesday.

The incident took place around 9:31 a.m. on Friday, May 3, at High Desert State Prison, situated outside Los Angeles County. Scott Cook, a 49-year-old inmate, was stabbed multiple times before staff responded to the scene. Despite being transported to the triage area, Cook was pronounced dead by medical staff 20 minutes later, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

No additional inmates or staff were harmed in the altercation, as highlighted by CDCR officials.

Suspects Identified and Details Unveiled

John Patch, aged 36, and Zachary Harris, aged 30, were identified as suspects in the attack. CDCR reported that the two allegedly utilized two inmate-manufactured weapons, which were recovered at the scene of the stabbing. Both Patch and Harris have been relocated to restricted housing while an investigation is underway, as indicated by CDCR. The circumstances leading up to the incident remain undisclosed.

Mugshots of the suspects were released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Patch, convicted of second-degree murder among other charges, was transferred to High Desert State Prison from San Diego County in December 2022. His previous charges included assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury and assault with force likely to produce significant bodily harm.

Harris, also convicted of second-degree attempted murder along with various other charges, was received at the same prison from San Diego County in July 2021. Notably, he had a prior conviction under the state’s three strikes law, resulting in a significant prison sentence.

Scott Cook, the victim of the fatal stabbing, had been incarcerated since November 2000 after being sentenced to life without parole for first-degree murder, carjacking, kidnapping, grand theft, and use of a firearm enhancement. He also faced additional charges in Kern County related to assault and possession of a deadly weapon.

Conclusion: Ongoing Investigation

The fatal stabbing incident at High Desert State Prison underscores the challenges faced by corrections officials in maintaining safety within correctional facilities. The identification of suspects and the recovery of inmate-manufactured weapons signal the need for continued vigilance and security measures within the prison system. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will likely seek to determine the motives behind the attack and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For the latest updates and breaking news, download The Local News App to stay informed.

Source