The High Desert State Prison Investigative Services Unit, CDCR’s Deadly Force investigation team, and the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the death of an inmate at the prison who was fatally shot by a correctional officer as he was stabbing another inmate Thursday afternoon.
According to details provided by the CDCR, at around 1:40p.m., correctional staff observed Albaro Amaral stabbing another incarcerated individual.
“Staff quickly responded, first issuing verbal orders to stop and get down, which were ignored. A warning shot from a Mini-14 rifle was fired, which had no effect. When he continued, staff fired additional rounds, hitting Amaral.”
Staff quickly initiated life-saving measures and summoned emergency services.
Amaral, 33, was taken to an onsite medical facility and at 2:09 p.m. was pronounced deceased.
The other inmate was transported to an outside medical facility for treatment, where he is in fair condition. No staff or other incarcerated people were injured. An inmate-manufactured weapon was recovered at the scene.
The officer who deployed the Mini-14 round is currently on administrative leave consistent with CDCR policy. The officer’s name is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation.
