Refugio Sanchez Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Prison Strangulation Death

ALEXANDRIA, La. — A grim tale of violence behind bars comes to light as 36-year-old Refugio Sanchez, a prisoner at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, has pleaded guilty to the chilling murder of a fellow inmate.

United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley revealed that Sanchez confessed to his role in the death during a heated argument with the victim, Benito Flores, and the deceased on March 12, 2008. The incident occurred within the confines of a Special Housing Unit (SHU) where guards discovered the unconscious body of the victim. He was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead upon arrival.

Forensic evidence confirmed that the victim died from strangulation. In his written statement, Sanchez admitted to unlawfully causing the death of the victim. The court heard chilling details of the crime as it unfolded within the cold walls of the prison.

Punishment looms large for Sanchez as he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 11, 2015.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell leading the prosecution against the defendant.

Refugio Sanchez’s guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within the nation’s correctional facilities, where even prisoners are not immune to heinous acts of violence.