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Convicted Riverside County Rapist Found Murdered In His Cell

SUSANVILLE, Calif. (AP) —  Officials at a Northern California prison believe an inmate found dead in his cell was killed by his cellmate.

Officials at High Desert State Prison say the inmate was pronounced dead around 9:29 a.m. Thursday after being found unresponsive in his cell. Officials have not released the name of the inmate, but say he was serving 90 years to life on a conviction out of Riverside County for the aggravated sexual assault of a child.

The inmate's cellmate has been identified as prime suspect in his killing. His name has not been released, but officials say he is a 35-year-old inmate serving 64 years to life on a Los Angeles County rape conviction.

High Desert State Prison is located in Susanville in Lassen County. It houses about 4,500 inmates.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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