Inmate’s death in Northern California prison cell prompts homicide investigation

An inmate found dead Friday in his cell prompted California prison officials to launch a homicide investigation at Mule Creek State Prison in Amador County.

Officers conducting security rounds found Emil Jones, 57, unresponsive about 10:20 p.m. in his cell that he shares with another inmate, Jose Lizarraga, according to a news release from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Prison guards rendered medical aid and called for additional help. Jones was pronounced dead at 11:08 p.m. by a doctor, the release said.

Jones’ cellmate was removed from his cell and questioned during which Lizarraga made “a statement to officers regarding the incident,” the release said. Lizarraga has been placed in restrictive housing as the investigation continues, the release said.

The Amador County Coroner’s Office will determine Jones’ cause of death.

Jones was sentenced on Oct. 17, 2023, to 16 years in prison for assault with a firearm from San Diego County.

Lizarraga, 43, was sentenced on Dec. 23, 2016, to 16 years in prison for carjacking and attempting to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly in San Joaquin County.