The California State Prison, Sacramento (CSP-SAC), along with investigative units from the CDCR and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, is actively probing the circumstances surrounding the death of an incarcerated individual following a use of force incident within the facility.
The incident unfolded on Friday, April 12, at approximately 6:55 p.m. when prison staff responded to a disturbance in one of the housing units. The incarcerated person involved, identified as Christopher Leong, reportedly initiated an altercation by charging at and assaulting staff members. In response, officers attempted to physically restrain Leong, who continued to resist and lash out, including spitting at officers. As the situation escalated, officers resorted to using physical force to subdue Leong, eventually pinning him to the ground, the CDCR said.
Tragically, Leong subsequently lost consciousness and ceased breathing. Immediate medical attention was administered by on-site staff, and paramedics from the Folsom Fire Department were summoned to the scene. Despite these efforts, Leong was pronounced deceased by paramedics at 7:50 p.m.
In the aftermath of the incident, ten staff members sustained minor injuries, the CDCR said.
To facilitate a thorough investigation, movement within the specific yard where the altercation occurred has been restricted. The Office of the Inspector General and the Sacramento County Coroner's Office have been notified, with the latter responsible for determining the official cause of death.
The CDCR has deployed its Deadly Force Investigations Team (DFIT) to assist in the investigation. DFIT comprises trained CDCR investigators tasked with conducting comprehensive inquiries into incidents involving deadly force, encompassing both criminal and administrative aspects. A deadly force review board will be convened to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the incident.
Christopher Leong, admitted from Sacramento County on June 7, 2011, was serving a sentence of life with the possibility of parole for discharge of a firearm in an inhabited dwelling/vehicle/aircraft and second-degree attempted murder with a street gang act in commission of a violent felony.