August 20, 2024 - SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the Aug. 19, 2024, death of an incarcerated person at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as a homicide.

At 10:31 a.m., incarcerated person, Miguel A. Espino allegedly attacked another incarcerated person, Michael R. Spengler.

Staff quickly stopped the incident and immediately called for medical assistance and 911.  Responding paramedics pronounced Spengler deceased at 11:08 a.m.  No staff or additional incarcerated individuals were injured.

Espino has been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. Officers recovered one inmate-manufactured weapon at the scene. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Spengler’s official cause of death.

Spengler, 38, was most recently received from Los Angeles County on Aug. 9, 2022, to serve life without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and second-degree murder.

Espino, 31, was received from Riverside County on Feb. 8, 2024, to serve life with the possibility of parole for attempted first-degree murder, inflict great bodily injury, and personal use of dangerous or deadly weapon; aggravated mayhem; and arson of inhabited structure and felony arson violation with special circumstances.

SVSP opened in 1996 and houses more than 3,300 minimum-, medium-, maximum- and high-security incarcerated persons. SVSP offers academic classes and vocational programs and employs approximately 1,500 people.

Source: CDCR