Family Sues Over Viral Video of Inmate Stabbed 180 Times in California Prison

Lawsuit alleges prison guards 'stood by and observed' as inmate was 'butchered and left to die'.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The family of Joseph Mendoza, a 36-year-old inmate who was fatally stabbed nearly 180 times at a California state prison, is suing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The lawsuit alleges that prison guards 'stood by and observed as [Mendoza] was butchered and left to die' during the attack by two fellow inmates, which was captured on video and went viral online.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about violence and lack of adequate supervision in the U.S. prison system, as well as the ethical issues around the public release and viral spread of graphic footage of inmate deaths. The lawsuit also raises questions about prison staff accountability and potential reforms to improve safety and oversight.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Mendoza was killed on April 8 at the Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, California by inmates Edgar Frayre and Nicolas Young, who were captured on video repeatedly stabbing him with makeshift weapons. Prison officials claim they immediately responded to the attack and used 'less-than-lethal force' to stop the assault, but Mendoza's lawyers allege that staff 'failed to provide timely or adequate medical care' and 'stood by and observed as [Mendoza] was butchered and left to die'.

  • The attack occurred around dinner time on April 8.
  • The lawsuit was filed in December 2026.

The players

Joseph Mendoza

A 36-year-old inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison who was fatally stabbed nearly 180 times by two fellow inmates.

Edgar Frayre

A 30-year-old inmate serving 50 years for voluntary manslaughter and participation in a criminal street gang act, who was involved in the attack on Mendoza.

Nicolas Young

A 32-year-old inmate serving 25 years for attempted murder, who was also involved in the attack on Mendoza.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The state agency being sued by Mendoza's family for 'deliberate indifference' in the handling of the fatal attack.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who denied wrongdoing by the prison and its staff in a response to the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“All of the officers involved should be summarily fired.”

— Bryan Harrison, Attorney representing Mendoza's family (News conference)

What’s next

Both Mendoza's family and the California Attorney General are seeking a jury trial for the case.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the ongoing challenges of violence, lack of oversight, and accountability issues within the U.S. prison system, as well as the ethical dilemmas around the public dissemination of graphic footage of inmate deaths.