LA County Inmate Found Dead in Cell; Three Other Inmates Under Investigation for Homicide
Homicide Investigation Launched After Inmate Death at California State Prison
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – State prison officials are investigating the death of Wilbert Lucero, an inmate at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (CSP-LAC), as a homicide.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Lucero, 49, was found unresponsive in his cell during a security check on February 3 at approximately 8:40 p.m. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In relation to the incident, three other incarcerated individuals have been placed in restricted housing. This group includes Lucero’s cellmate, 29-year-old Jeremy Rakistis, as well as 48-year-old Ismael Marquez and 42-year-old Raymond Moreno. All four inmates were serving life sentences for murder or attempted murder convictions stemming from Los Angeles County.
While the investigation is underway, the specific cause and manner of Lucero’s death have yet to be disclosed. Authorities have not provided further details on the suspected involvement of Marquez and Moreno, who were not Lucero’s cellmates.
The CSP-LAC Investigative Services Unit, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, is spearheading the criminal investigation. The Office of the Inspector General has been notified and is expected to oversee the investigation. A formal autopsy performed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause of death, which remains pending.
