October 17, 2025 – SOLEDAD, CA – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the October 14, 2025, death of an incarcerated person at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as a homicide.

At approximately 5:15 p.m., staff observed Orlando M. Ochoa assaulting Israel M. Mendoza and immediately responded, utilizing chemical agents to stop the attack and restrain Ochoa. Staff began life-saving measures on Mendoza and activated 911. Mendoza was transported to the prison’s triage and treatment area where he was pronounced deceased by paramedics at 5:52 p.m.

Ochoa was placed in restricted housing pending investigation into this case by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit.  

The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Monterey County Coroner will determine Mendoza’s official cause of death.

Mendoza, 40, was most recently received from Yolo County on December 3, 2015, sentenced to 14 years for corporal injury on a specific person within seven years of a prior specific conviction and false imprisonment with violence as a second striker.

Ochoa, 40, was most recently received from San Bernardino County on February 2, 2006, sentenced to five years for second-degree robbery. Los Angeles County also sentenced him on January 7, 2009, to 32 years for voluntary manslaughter and second-degree robbery as a second striker.

SVSP opened in May 1996 in Monterey County. The institution provides long-term housing for approximately 2,400 minimum- and maximum-custody incarcerated individuals and employs about 1,500 staff.

Source & photos: CDCR