Death Row Prisoners Transferred to ‘Overcrowded and Run-Down’ California Facility Spark Outrage
Officials and Community Members Raise Safety Concerns
Emotions are running high in Chino and Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, where residents and officials are expressing strong opposition to the transfer of over 2 dozen death row prisoners to the California Institution for Men (CIM), which they maintain is already dangerously overcrowded and in need of immediate repairs.
At a press conference, Chino Police Chief Kevin Mensen voiced his alarm over the transfers, emphasizing the violent histories of some of the inmates. “One inmate killed a victim with an axe during a home invasion robbery,” he said, “while another beat and tortured a woman to death.”
Mayor of Chino, Eunice Ulloa, echoed the concerns, expressing outrage at the decision to transfer these dangerous prisoners to a facility that is struggling to maintain safety standards. “This is a prison that is in dire need of repairs to keep these dangerous prisoners housed,” she exclaimed. “I am absolutely committed to ensuring that this matter is addressed.”
Communities Relive Past Horrors as Killer Returns
The situation is particularly distressing for those in the local communities who vividly recall the horrific crimes committed by death row inmate Kevin Cooper. In 1983, Cooper escaped from CIM and proceeded to brutally murder four people, including the 11-year-old son of Mary Ann Hughes.
“The nightmare of what my child had to go through in his last moments will be with me forever,” Hughes said at the press conference, her voice filled with anguish and pain.
CDCR’s Response Meets Criticism
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has defended its move, citing the phasing out of the death row unit at San Quentin and the need to place condemned inmates in institutions with secure perimeters. However, critics argue that this has resulted in the transfer of these prisoners to lower-level facilities with inadequate security.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson emphasizes the risk posed by placing “high-risk” death row inmates in general population areas, exposing other inmates and staff to increased danger.
Call to Action and Petition to Governor Newsom
The city of Chino has taken action by circulating a petition that will be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging the reconsideration of the transfers and the allocation of necessary funds to address the shortcomings at CIM.
The petition has already garnered widespread support from the affected communities as they seek to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.**Residents are encouraged to sign the petition and voice their concerns to state officials to demand immediate action.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
