About the series

More than 240 people incarcerated in California prisons have died during the pandemic from COVID-19, including 18 at the only state prison in San Diego County.

inewsource investigative reporters Jill Castellano and Mary Plummer used medical examiner reports, death certificates and interviews to uncover what led to the deaths at the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in Otay Mesa. Three of those who died were found in their cells. Families of Donovan prisoners told inewsource they didn’t learn their relatives had COVID-19 until after they had died.

Listen to the investigation on KPBS

Donovan Deaths: COVID-19 Outbreak Leaves 18 Dead. Three Were Found In Their Cells

inewsource on KPBS | April 8, 2021

Read the two-part investigation