An incident at the Smith Correctional Facility's Sheriff’s Inmate Training and Education Bureau on September 5 has led to an in-custody death, according to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Deputies responding to an assault call discovered the victim at 1:30 p.m., showing signs of a stab wound before commencing life-saving measures until paramedics took over.
The victim, later identified as 36-year-old Steve Gonzalez of Moreno Valley, was rushed to hospital with severe wounds while 55-year-old Scott Lowder was detained at the scene; Lowder was already in custody on charges of criminal threats and brandishing a firearm, and now, following the tragic turn of events, faces pending murder charges, the Sheriff's Department is leading a collaborative investigation by the Corrections Central Investigations Unit and the Central Homicide Unit. The victim's condition, being critical, meant that his family had the grave privilege of being present at his side until his passing on September 7, a mere two days following the altercation.
The Riverside Sheriff's Department underscored the ongoing nature of the inquiry and their commitment to uncovering the precise context of the tragedy, though details are sparse with the investigation fully underway. A call has been issued for anyone with information to assist by contacting Investigator R. Navarrete at the Central Homicide Unit, at 951–955–2777. One can only hope that forthcoming details will shed further light on the circumstances that culminate in such dire conclusions within the walls of our correctional institutions.
Questions linger about what motivated the attack and the type of weapon used, while officials remain tight-lipped as they continue to piece together the unfortunate series of events that escalated to lethal ends. At this time, the Riverside Sheriff's Department has refrained from releasing additional information to the public while they work out the full story, emphasizing in their announcement that "this is an ongoing investigation, and no further details will be released." As the story develops, the community looks on with a mix of sorrow and anticipation, hoping for answers and justice in this latest episode of violence behind bars.
