Three high ranking Baja California prison officials are in custody for yesterday's deadly riot at the La Mesa prison in Tijuana. It’s the second riot at the prison in just three days. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
The Governor of Baja California fired the three in the wake of yesterday's riot. They're now under investigation for allegedly hiding information.
Seventeen people were killed and about five dozen were injured yesterday, more than 30 with gunshot wounds.
Governor Jose Guadalupe Osuna Millan has asked federal police to temporarily take over security at the facility.
The move comes after Baja's Director of Public Security, Daniel de la Rosa, said all guards will be transfered.
De la Rosa says 250 prisoners who he says led the violence have also been moved to other prisons. He says yesterday's events started from a fight between drug gangs.
However, human rights officials say prisoners were upset because they still didn't have water, food or medical care after Sunday's melee.
Baja police say that riot started after a regular sweep for contraband. One inmate turned up dead. Officials are looking for the prison commander and sub-commander who fled.
Amy Isackson, KPBS news.
