SUSANVILLE – The High Desert State Prison (HDSP) Investigative Services Unit, CDCR’s Deadly Force investigation team, and the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the death of an incarcerated person who was fatally shot by a correctional officer as he was stabbing another incarcerated person.
On Thursday, January 25 at approximately 1:40 p.m., correctional staff observed Albaro Amaral stabbing another incarcerated individual. Staff quickly responded, first issuing verbal orders to stop and get down, which were ignored. A warning shot from a Mini-14 rifle was fired, which had no effect. When he continued, staff fired additional rounds, hitting Amaral.
Staff quickly initiated life-saving measures and summoned emergency services. Amaral, 33, was taken to an onsite medical facility and at 2:09 p.m. was pronounced deceased. The other incarcerated person was transported to an outside medical facility for treatment, where he is in fair condition. No staff or other incarcerated people were injured. An inmate-manufactured weapon was recovered at the scene.
The officer who deployed the Mini-14 round is currently on administrative leave consistent with CDCR policy. The officer’s name is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation.
Amaral was most recently admitted to CDCR from Santa Cruz County on Oct. 27, 2021, to serve life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, carjacking, possession or ownership of a firearm by a felon or addict, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, all as a second striker. He also received enhancements for intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death and use of a firearm.
Officials have limited movement on the yard where the incident happened to facilitate the investigation. The Office of the Inspector General and the Office of Internal Affairs were notified, and peer support services are available. The Lassen County Coroner will determine Amaral’s official cause of death.
HDSP opened in 1995 and houses approximately 1,700 incarcerated people. It is located near Susanville, in Northern California. HDSP offers academic classes, vocational programs, rehabilitative programs, medical services, and mental health services, religious services, work assignments and self-help groups, and employs approximately 1,000 people.
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