Inmate death at CSP-Sac investigated as homicide

An inmate death at California State Prison, Sacramento (CSP-SAC), is being investigated as a homicide. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials said at around 9:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, staff discovered John Cisneros unresponsive in his cell. Staff initiated lifesaving measures and activated 911. Outside medical ambulance staff pronounced Cisnesos deceased at 9:59 p.m. Cisnero's cellmate, Irvin Sanchez, was detained and removed from the cell. He was placed in restricted housing pending an investigation by SAC Investigative Services Unit and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified. Cisneros, 49, was most recently received from Los Angeles County on July 6, 2015, sentenced to five years for second-degree robbery. While incarcerated, he was sentenced by Los Angeles County on Oct. 16, 2017, to 28 years for penetration, oral copulation and attempted rape with force/violence/fear of immediate bodily injury. Sanchez, 34, was received from Los Angeles County on Feb. 27, 2013. He was sentenced to 18 years for attempted second-degree murder with enhancements of street gang act and use of a firearm, and one year, four months for concealing a firearm in a vehicle, to be served concurrently.