3 Inmates Serving Life Sentences Suspected of Killing Fellow Prisoner at Salinas Valley State Prison

Three convicted murderers serving life sentences at Salinas Valley State Prison are accused of killing another inmate during an attack Thursday morning, according to prison officials.

Prison staff witnessed Todd J. Givens, Robert England, and Ray N. Waldron assault 57-year-old Todd S. Morgan with improvised weapons in the recreation yard. Staff tried to save Morgan, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.

What Happened

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reported that the attack occurred in the recreation yard when guards saw the three inmates—Givens, 56; England, 61; and Waldron, 51—attacking Morgan. Despite verbal commands from staff to stop, the assault continued until responding guards arrived.

Medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Morgan was pronounced dead at 10:04 a.m. No other inmates or staff were injured in the incident.

Weapons and Investigation

Officers recovered three improvised weapons at the scene, though officials have not revealed their type. The suspects were moved to restricted housing, and an investigation into the attack is ongoing.

The Monterey County Coroner will determine Morgan’s official cause of death.

Background on the Inmates

Todd S. Morgan, 57, was received from Santa Clara County in 2002 and was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for burglary, robbery, and firearm convictions. He was a third striker.
Todd J. Givens, 56, came from Tulare County in 2004 and was on condemned status for first-degree murder. While incarcerated, he received two additional life terms with the possibility of parole.
Robert England, 61, entered prison from San Bernardino County in 1993 and was serving life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder and use of a firearm. In 1998, he received another life term for assaulting an inmate.
Ray N. Waldron, 51, was received from San Diego County in 2005 and was serving life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder. He, too, was a third striker.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the fatal attack.