SAN DIEGO—Two prisoners at High Desert State Prison in Susanville are being investigated on suspicion in the death of an incarcerated person, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said May 9
At 9:31 a.m. Friday, two incarcerated people who were received from San Diego County, John Patch and Zachary Harris, allegedly attacked another incarcerated person, Scott Cook, CDCR officials said. Two inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered at the scene.
Prison staff responded to the attack and discovered that Mr. Cook sustained multiple stab wounds. Life-saving measures were performed, and he was taken to the triage and treatment area. Mr. Cook was pronounced dead by medical staff at 9:53 a.m. No staff or additional incarcerated people were injured.
Both suspects have been moved to restricted housing pending investigation of the case. The investigation was being conducted by HDSP Investigative Services Unit, and the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Lassen County Coroner will determine Mr. Cook’s official cause of death.
Mr. Cook, 49, was received from San Bernardino County on Nov. 16, 2000, and sentenced to life without parole for first-degree murder, carjacking, kidnapping, grand theft, with use of a firearm enhancement. He was also sentenced in Kern County to 16 years, eight months for assault by prisoner with deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury, and possession of a deadly weapon.
Mr. Harris, 36, was received from San Diego County on July 21, 2021, and sentenced to 24 years, eight months for second-degree attempted murder using a short barrel shotgun or rifle, evading a peace officer while driving recklessly, first-degree burglary, and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. He was also sentenced in Kern County to 11 years for assault by a prisoner likely to cause great bodily injury.
Mr. Patch, 30, was received from San Diego County on Dec. 21, 2022, and sentenced to life with parole for second-degree murder with personal use of dangerous or deadly weapon; assault with a deadly weapon that inflicted great bodily injury to a victim and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury.
