CDCR investigates incident at High Desert State Prison that led to death

SUSANVILLE – An investigation is underway into the death of an inmate who was involved in a physical altercation and later succumbed to his injuries.

On June 5, at approximately 7:18 a.m., correctional staff observed Jarray D. Birdon and another inmate in a fight. Staff responded quickly, initially giving verbal commands to stop and lie down, but these were ignored. As the altercation continued, Birdon was struck several times in the face and head by the attacker’s fists and knee before falling to the ground. Staff used another lethal 40 mm direct impact bullet and chemical warfare agents to break up the fight.

During the altercation, Birdon also sustained injuries consistent with being struck in the head by the 40mm bullet. The other detainee suffered a fracture of his right hand. No staff were injured in the incident.

Staff immediately called emergency services. Birdon, 38, was taken to an outside hospital, where he remained until June 7, 2024. At 12:41 p.m., Birdon’s death was pronounced.

The officer who deployed the 40mm impact grenade is currently on administrative leave per CDCR policy. The officer’s name is being withheld due to the ongoing investigation.

The Office of the Inspector General and the Bureau of Internal Affairs have been notified.

Birdon was convicted in Sacramento County on November 29, 2007, and admitted to the CDCR on January 23, 2008. He was sentenced to four years in prison for possession of a controlled substance. He was released to Sacramento County Probation on October 27, 2010, after completing his statutory sentence.

Birdon was picked up from Sacramento County on June 7, 2013. He was sentenced to 16 years and four months in prison for assault with a firearm likely to cause great bodily injury (a repeat offense), possession of a firearm by a felon or drug addict (a repeat offense), criminal threatening to cause great bodily injury/death (a repeat offense), with enhancements due to a prior felony conviction.

Opened in 1995, HDSP is a maximum security prison in Susanville that houses Levels I through IV inmates.
inmates and employs approximately 1,700 people. The facility houses individuals serving long-term prison sentences, individuals requiring specialized mental health programs, and inmates with high-risk health issues. The facility also offers employment, vocational training, academic, self-help, arts, religious, and other rehabilitation programs.

Jarray D. Birdon

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