TEHACHAPI – CDCR officials are investigating the August 11, 2025, death of an incarcerated person at California Correctional Institution (CCI) as a homicide.
At 8:04 a.m., staff found Michael Doss unresponsive in his cell with visible wounds. Staff immediately responded, restraining Doss’ cellmate Jake Raper and removing him from the cell. Life-saving measures were performed on Doss. Institution medical staff, as well as 911 services were requested.
Doss was transported to the institution’s triage and treatment area where he was pronounced deceased by a paramedic at 8:44 a.m. No staff or additional incarcerated people were injured.
No weapon was recovered at the scene.
Raper remains in restricted housing pending investigation into this case. Officials have limited population movement to facilitate the investigation being conducted by CCI Investigative Services Unit, and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Kern County Coroner will determine Doss’ official cause of death.
Doss, 57, was received from Los Angeles County on Nov. 22, 2010. He was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
Raper, 62, was received from Riverside County on Sept. 29, 2000. He is serving a sentence of life with the possibility of parole for assault with a deadly weapon, third-striker.
CCI opened as a male institution in 1954, and houses more than 2,417 medium-, maximum- and high-security incarcerated persons. CCI offers academic classes and vocational programs and employs approximately 1,344 people.
Michael Doss (Deceased)
Jake Raper
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