SUSANVILLE, Calif. — A man serving a life sentence for murder is the subject of an investigation following the suspicious death of his cellmate at High Desert State Prison. Eddie Ruiz, 36, was found in a bloody cell on October 17, a discovery that has sparked a probe by state prison officials.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, correctional officers observed that Ruiz was obstructing the view into his cell. When they instructed him to remove the blockage, they discovered his cellmate, 33-year-old Roman Ruiz, suffering from severe injuries. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Roman Ruiz was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes later.
Initial reports indicate that no weapon was recovered from the cell, leading to questions surrounding the circumstances of Roman Ruiz’s death. Investigators from the prison and the Office of the Inspector General have been notified and are now focusing on the events leading up to the incident.
Eddie Ruiz is no stranger to the criminal justice system. He was convicted in November 2018 for the shooting death of respected community college instructor David Moglen, who was killed during a robbery attempt in July 2016. The incident unfolded near South First and Willow streets when Moglen was confronted by Eddie Ruiz, who demanded his wallet. A struggle ensued, and Moglen pursued Ruiz, only to be shot in the chest.
Moglen, 37 at the time of his death, left a lasting legacy, having taught economics at both Evergreen Valley College and Foothill College for over a decade. He was remembered fondly by colleagues and students alike, and was actively involved in creative pursuits, including producing music under the name Ravin Odin.
Roman Ruiz was incarcerated after being convicted of attempted murder in San Joaquin County in late 2015. The autopsy to determine the official cause of his death is pending.
The investigation is ongoing, with both the prison officials and local law enforcement seeking to unravel the events that led to Roman Ruiz’s untimely demise. The two men are not believed to be related, adding another layer of intrigue to the case as details continue to unfold.