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Two Top Tijuana Prison Officials Wanted for Murder that Sparked Deadly Prison Riot

Two top Tijuana prison officials are wanted in connection with a murder that sparked a deadly riot at a Tijuana prison. Three people were killed and dozens were injured. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has

Two Top Tijuana Prison Officials Wanted for Murder that Sparked Deadly Prison Riot

Two top Tijuana prison officials are wanted in connection with a murder that sparked a deadly riot at a Tijuana prison. Three people were killed and dozens were injured. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

State law enforcement officials say the prison commander and sub-commander are wanted for the murder of an inmate at the La Mesa state prison in Tijuana.

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Officials say the 19 year old prisoner was beaten to death Saturday night.

Authorities say a prison guard is in custody in connection with the killing. But they say the commander and sub-commander fled.

The murder sparked the riot Sunday when three more prisoners died.

Daniel de la Rosa is Baja California's Secretary of Public Security. He says law enforcement took 12 hours to regain control.

Daniel De la Rosa: (translated from Spanish) Some prisoners stole guard's keys, unlocked cells and hundreds climbed onto the roof. Inmates threw rocks and flaming rags onto the streets below. They destroyed four cars parked outside.

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1200 visitors were still inside the prison when the riot broke out.

De la Rosa says half were taken hostage but were eventually let go.

Amy Isackson, KPBS News.