Jury Convicts Moises Meraz Espinoza of 2 Count of Assault by a Life Prisoner at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad

SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on August 15 that a

jury has convicted Moises Meraz Espinoza, an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison, of 2 counts of

Assault by a Life Prisoner for two separate, violent stabbings of fellow inmates.

On February 4, 2023, Meraz Espinoza attacked his cellmate after the evening lockdown, stabbing him

more than 20 times in the back, chest, arms, and legs. At approximately 9:08 p.m., correctional officers

discovered Meraz Espinoza straddling the victim inside the cell. The victim was rushed to Natividad

Medical Center and treated in the Intensive Care Unit for multiple life-threatening injuries.

On November 25, 2024, Meraz Espinoza was seen walking up to another inmate in the prison yard and

immediately stabbing him. The second victim also sustained life-threatening injuries and was

transported to Natividad Medical Center for emergency treatment.

Following deliberations, the jury found Meraz Espinoza guilty of both assaults. He is scheduled to be

sentenced on August 27, 2025, before the Honorable Stephanie Hulsey and faces a maximum sentence

of life in state prison.

Meraz Espinoza is currently serving a life sentence for the 2011 murder of his mother in Los Angeles

County.

The case was investigated by the Investigative Services Unit at Salinas Valley State Prison, with trial

preparation assistance from District Attorney Investigator Erik Morris.

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