Inmate From San Diego County Suspected Of Killing Prison Cellmate

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man serving a prison sentence for a robbery in San Diego County is being investigated in connection with the death of his prison cellmate, officials said Wednesday.

Anthony Francis Jr., 23, was found unconscious on the floor of his cell on the evening of July 18 at California State Prison, Sacramento, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was taken to the prison's triage and treatment area, but was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

The Sacramento County Coroner ruled his death a homicide last week.

Francis' cellmate, Chase Jenkins, 38, was in the cell at the time Francis was found unconscious, according to CDCR. Jenkins has since been placed in restricted housing pending an investigation.

Francis was serving a 12-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter in Glenn County.

Jenkins was serving an 11-year sentence for second-degree robbery. He was transferred from San Diego County to the Sacramento prison in July 2023, according to CDCR.