News Releases

Inmate Death at Mule Creek State Prison Under Investigation

IONE – Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) officials are investigating the death of an inmate as a possible homicide.

Inmate Robert Dahl, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at approximately 2:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29. Custody and medical staff immediately responded and began lifesaving measures. Dahl was transported to the prison medical unit, but was pronounced dead at 2:56 p.m.

Prison officials have named Dahl’s cellmate, Todd Laverty, 46, as a suspect. Laverty was received by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on Nov. 19, 2010, from Riverside County to serve a sentence of 18 years to life with the possibility of parole for second-degree murder. Laverty has been placed in the prison’s Administrative Segregation Unit as the incident is being investigated.

Dahl was received by CDCR on May 9, 2008, from Sacramento County to serve 24 years, eight months for second-degree robbery, manufacture/sale/possession of a weapon by a second-striker, and possession of a firearm by an ex-felon. He was scheduled to parole in January 2030.

The Office of the Inspector General, CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions and the Amador County Coroners’ Office were notified of the death. Inmate movement has been limited as the investigation continues.

MCSP, which opened in 1987, houses approximately 4,000 minimum-, medium- and maximum-security inmates. The prison, located in Amador County, provides educational, medical and mental health services and employs more than 1,400 people.

CONTACT: Lt. Angelo Gonzalez, (209) 274-5080

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 30, 2018

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