Pelican Bay State Prison Inmate Dies Following Assault, Homicide Inquiry Launched
CRESCENT CITY, CA – An incarcerated person at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) died November 25, 2025, following an assault by two fellow inmates, prompting a homicide investigation by PBSP Investigative Services Unit and the Del Norte County District Attorney’s Office.
Rodrigo Gomez, 38, was pronounced deceased at 2:24 p.m. by the Del Norte County Coroner after sustaining injuries during an altercation. No staff or other incarcerated individuals were injured in the incident. An improvised weapon was recovered at the scene.
Authorities have identified Raul Garcia Jr.,37,and Francisco Ramirez Jr., 42, as the individuals involved in the assault. Both Garcia and Ramirez have been placed in restricted housing pending the outcome of the investigation.The Office of the Inspector General has been notified. The Del Norte County Coroner will determine Gomez’s official cause of death.
Gomez was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, stemming from Imperial County, and an additional four years for escape from a county jail or prison with force.Garcia is also serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder,received from Los Angeles County in 2008. Ramirez is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, most recently received from Los Angeles County in 2010.
PBSP, which opened in 1989, houses approximately 2,200 incarcerated people in minimum, medium, high, and maximum-security units. The 275-acre institution, located 13 miles from the Oregon/California border, employs 1,400 staff and offers a range of programs including academic classes, vocational training, rehabilitative services, and mental health support.
