Officials are investigating the apparent homicide of a Calipatria State Prison inmate.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Mario Ramos died after an alleged assault by two other incarcerated persons. The incident occurred at about 9:35 a.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Ramos was assaulted by Deandre Powell and Philip Dimacali. Prison staff intervened and medical assistance was rendered but Ramos succumbed to his wounds. Ramos, 48, was serving a sentence of 85 years and 8 months for six counts of second-degree robbery and two counts of second-degree attempted robbery. His earliest release date would have been in 2065. 

Powell, 30, is serving 12 years for first-degree robbery, assault with a firearm by a felon or addict, possession of ammunition, and assault with a deadly weapon. 

Dimacali, 38 is serving life without the possibility of parole for two counts of first-degree murder. 

Both suspects have been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation.