Brian J. Diguez, 34, Killed in Suspected Inmate Assault at Folsom State Prison; Two Suspects Identified
On Friday, July 18, ২০২৫, at approximately 6:28 p.m., an inmate assault occurred in the dayroom of Folsom State Prison. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), 34-year-old Brian J. Diguez was attacked by fellow inmates 48-year-old Boris Bonilla and 32-year-old Carlos J. Duran using inmate-manufactured weapons. The violent altercation prompted immediate intervention by prison staff, who administered life-saving measures and transported Diguez to the prison medical unit. He was later pronounced dead at 7:09 p.m. by the Folsom Fire Department
👤 Victim & Suspects
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Brian J. Diguez, 34, had been serving a 21-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter with a gang enhancement since July 25, 2016
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Boris Bonilla, 48, serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and gang-related enhancements, arrived at Folsom from Los Angeles County in May 2012
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Carlos J. Duran, 32, transferred from Santa Clara County in February 2022, was serving time for a parole violation related to vehicle theft
After the assault, both Bonilla and Duran were placed in restricted housing as CDCR and Sacramento County authorities launched an official homicide investigation
🚨 Investigation & Institutional Response
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Scene Control
Weapons were recovered from the assault site, and prison staff swiftly retook control of the incident -
Medical Efforts
Diguez was treated on-site and moved to the prison infirmary before emergency responders declared him deceased -
Ongoing Homicide Inquiry
The CDCR’s Investigative Services Unit, Sacramento County District Attorney, Sacramento County Coroner, and California Office of Inspector General are actively involved in the homicide investigation. A formal inquest by the coroner will determine the official cause of death
📅 Timeline at a Glance
| Time & Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 18, 6:28 p.m. | Assault occurred in Folsom’s dayroom involving Bonilla and Duran |
| July 18, 7:09 p.m. | Diguez pronounced dead at prison infirmary |
💭 Context & Implications
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Prison Safety Concerns: The use of improvised weapons underscores ongoing safety issues within correctional facilities and raises questions about monitoring and security in inmate dayrooms
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Gang-related Violence: Diguez’s past gang involvement and his attackers’ criminal histories may indicate deeper patterns of prison conflict.
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Institutional Accountability: CDCR’s multi-agency investigation reflects efforts to ensure transparency and procedural integrity in custodial deaths.
📝 What Happens Next
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Coroner’s Findings: The Sacramento County Coroner will complete an official report on the cause and manner of death.
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Legal Proceedings: Should the homicide finding be confirmed, criminal charges or enhanced penalties may follow for Bonilla and Duran.
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Public Updates: CDCR and Sacramento County officials are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
🕯️ In Memoriam
Brian J. Diguez’s death marks another fatality within California’s correctional system, prompting reflection on inmate welfare and prison safety. As the investigation continues, support for prison staff and incarcerated individuals remains paramount.