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Fatal attack at Northern California State Prison leaves one man dead, two under investigation
A fatal recreation yard attack at High Desert State Prison has prompted a homicide investigation, with two incarcerated men moved to restricted housing.
A Sunday morning attack in a recreation yard at High Desert State Prison near Susanville has left a 26-year-old man dead and prompted a homicide investigation in Lassen County.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation identified the man who died as David Long. Officials say Bryan Cook, 51, and Rodney Chweya, 31, were moved to restricted housing while investigators examine the attack.
According to CDCR, staff saw Cook and Chweya attacking Long with an improvised weapon around 11:03 a.m. on November 8th in Facility C. Officers used verbal commands and chemical agents to intervene.
Staff called 911 and tried to save Long, with treatment continuing in the prison's medical area. He was pronounced dead at 11:40 a.m. His next of kin has been notified.
A handmade weapon was recovered, officials said. Neither Cook nor Chweya was injured. The prison's Investigative Services Unit is handling the case, and the Office of the Inspector General has been notified.
KRCR also reported on the death November 9th. CDCR's current release provides updated sentencing information for Cook that differs from the earlier report.
The department now lists Cook's most recent reception from San Joaquin County as August 8th, 2016. His sentences include life with parole eligibility for second-degree murder and a consecutive life term imposed in Imperial County in October 2024 for an in-prison second-degree murder.
Long entered state custody from Los Angeles County in April 2024 with a sentence of life without parole for multiple first-degree murder and attempted murder counts, with firearm enhancements. Chweya entered from San Diego County in May 2020 with a seven-year sentence for attempted second-degree murder.
CDCR's announcement does not identify a motive or announce new criminal charges against Cook or Chweya in Long's death. The allegations remain under investigation.
Sources: CDCR's November 8th release, including its current sentencing information and KRCR's November 9th report.