An analysis of state records has revealed new information on killings inside California prisons. Nearly 80 homicide victims have been reported by corrections officials since 2007. The analysis, conducted by the Associated Press, found inmates at California prisons, including Salinas Valley State Prison, are killed at a rate that is double the national average. Nearly 30 percent of the victims were sex offenders, despite the creation of housing for vulnerable inmates. Corrections officials say the rise in homicides has been due to overcrowding. Currently, prison populations are shrinking following the passing of Proposition 47, which reduces penalties for certain crimes.
