Guard dies after stabbing at Atwater prison

ATWATER -- A correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary in Atwater is dead after being stabbed by inmates Friday, Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin said.

Although details are sketchy, Pazin said the officer, identified as Jose Rivera, 22, was transported to Mercy Medical Center Merced after the stabbing. The FBI is investigating and Pazin said his office will conduct the autopsy.

Rivera was taken to the hospital at 3:30 p.m. and was pronounced dead at 4:15 p.m., Pazin said.

Pazin said Rivera's death underscores the dangers that correctional officers face every day.

A statement from the prison said Rivera was assaulted by two inmates with "homemade weapons" in a housing unit. The inmates were restrained by staff and placed into administrative detention, the statement said.

Jesse Gonzalez, a spokesman for the prison, declined further comment. The inmates have not been identified.