2 plead not guilty to murder in Delano prison slaying

Jason Kotowski
·1 min read
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Two inmates accused of fatally stabbing another inmate at North Kern State Prison entered not-guilty pleas on Thursday in Superior Court.

Andrew Jimenez and Anthony Rivera are charged with first-degree murder and assault by a prisoner serving a life sentence in the death last year of Josafat Bonifacio. They’re due back in court later this month.

Anthony Rivera, left, and Andrew Jimenez listen while being arraigned on charges including murder.
Anthony Rivera, left, and Andrew Jimenez listen while being arraigned on charges including murder.

The two are eligible for the death penalty.

Jimenez, 31, and Rivera, 29, were serving life terms for murder in separate cases at the time of the killing. Bonifacio, 32, was also serving a life term for murder.

The assault took place the afternoon of Sept. 28, according to prison officials. An inmate-manufactured weapon was used.

Bonifacio suffered multiple stab wounds and died while being transported to a medical facility, officials said. Charges were filed last month.

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