In less than 12 hours on Friday, two inmates died after altercations at separate prisons, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Both deaths are being investigated as suspected homicides, the GDC said.
Cesar Pastrana, an inmate at Hancock State Prison in Sparta, died at 12:15 p.m. after an altercation with another inmate, according to the GDC.
“GDC, in conjunction with the GBI is conducting an investigation into the death, as standard procedure,” the GDC said in a press release.
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In 2012, Pastrana was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child molestation. The former volunteer at a Cobb County church and middle school admitted he molested nine boys, including two relatives, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution previously reported.
Pastrana’s February 2012 arrest came days after a weekend lock-in sponsored by NorthStar Church, where he previously volunteered with youth, according to police. A subsequent arrest warrant issued days later accused Pastrana of having inappropriate contact with minors attending an event the previous year at his home.
In addition to his work with the church, Pastrana also previously volunteered with Barber Middle School before he was banned following an incident involving a student.
Late Friday, a second inmate was taken to the hospital following an altercation at Telfair State Prison in Helena, according to the GDC.
Cedric Johnson died shortly before midnight. In 2008, Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in prison following a conviction for armed robbery in Dougherty County.
The GDC and GBI are also investigating Johnson’s death.
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