Third Inmate Dies as Families Protest Against Lompoc Prison COVID Conditions

A third inmate at the federal prison complex in Lompoc has died of COVID-19, according to data published Tuesday on the Bureau of Prisons’ website. The inmate, whose identity was not released, was housed at Federal Correctional Institute Lompoc (FCI Lompoc). The complex’s two other COVID-19 deaths were among inmates at United States Penitentiary Lompoc (USP Lompoc). Both were older with underlying health conditions. Since the start of the outbreak in late March, more than 1,000 prisoners and staff have been infected with coronavirus.

Santa Barbara health officials said they had no information on the most recent death, as the county Coroner’s Bureau “does not have jurisdiction for death investigations that occur within the USP Lompoc facility,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Raquel Zick. “Unfortunately, we are not sure who handles their investigations, so you will have to check with [the Bureau of Prisons].” The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) did not return requests for comment. 

The Independent had recently received a Twitter message from Cris Zarm, the ex-wife of a current Lompoc prisoner. Zarm stated inmates had witnessed “a coffin loaded into a black van” on the prison grounds. Zarm said her ex-husband wanted to remain anonymous because correctional officers “actively retaliate against any inmate who’s directly or indirectly providing information to the media.” For the last six weeks, Lompoc authorities have severely curtailed inmate access to phone and email, prompting panic among families wanting to know the health status of their loved ones.