SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Bob Bejarano was convicted by a jury of assault with a deadly weapon by an inmate serving a life sentence, possession of a weapon in prison and possession of heroin in prison.

Allegations that Bejarano has a prior strike conviction for shooting inside an occupied car and failed to remain free from prison custody for at least 5 years were found true. The following special allegations were also found true: the crime involved great violence, great bodily harm, or other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness; Bejarano was armed or used a weapon at the time of the commission of the crime; the manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication or professionalism; Bejarano has engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society; and Bejarano has served a prior term in prison or county jail.

Bejarano was an inmate at California State Prison-Sacramento. On January 14, 2018, a correctional officer observed Bejarano put an unknown item in his mouth. It was later determined to be methamphetamine wrapped in cellophane. On August 30, 2018, Bejarano approached inmate Eric Rodriguez who was playing basketball by himself. Bejarano called Rodriguez over to him and stabbed Rodriguez repeatedly with an inmate manufactured weapon. Rodriguez wrestled Bejarano to the ground, took possession of the weapon and began stabbing Bejarano. At this point, correctional officers saw the fight and ordered them to stop. When Rodriguez continued to stab Bejarano, an officer fired one shot from the tower, striking Rodriguez. Although life saving measures were immediately performed, Rodriguez did not survive. Bejarano was transported to the hospital, where a CT scan showed that he had ingested two foreign items. Bejarano admitted to swallowing two bindles of heroin.

Bejarano faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is set for June 13, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 34 before the Honorable Alyson Lewis.

DATE: May 6, 2022

CASE: Bob Bejarano (Case #18FE014152)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Kelly Clark, Prison Crimes Unit