SUSANVILLE – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the death of an incarcerated person at High Desert State Prison (HDSP) as a homicide.
On Nov. 8, at approximately 11:03 a.m., staff observed incarcerated persons Bryan Cook, 51, and Rodney Chweya, 31, attacking David Long, 26, with an improvised weapon on a Facility C recreational yard. Staff issued verbal orders and used chemical agents to quell the incident.
Staff immediately activated 911 and initiated life-saving measures. Long was transported to the prison’s treatment and triage area, where life-saving efforts continued. Medical staff pronounced Long deceased at 11:40 a.m. His next of kin has been notified.
Cook and Chweya were placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by the HDSP Investigative Services Unit. An incarcerated person-manufactured weapon was recovered at the scene. Neither Cook nor Chweya sustained injuries. The Office of the Inspector General has been notified.
Long was received from Los Angeles County on April 19, 2024. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for multiple counts of first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder, with firearm enhancements.
Cook was received from San Joaquin County on July 15, 2005. He was sentenced to two terms of 15 years to life for second-degree murder and 11 years for voluntary manslaughter.
Chweya was received from San Diego County on May 29, 2020. He was sentenced to seven years for attempted second-degree murder.
HDSP opened in 1995 and is located near Susanville in Lassen County. The prison houses incarcerated people at various custody levels and provides educational, vocational, medical and mental health services.
