DRAPER, Utah, March 15, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Two inmates have been charged with murder in the death of a man severely beaten in March at the Utah State Prison.
Ramon Luis Rivera, 30, and Albert Collin Fernandez, 38, were both charged in the 3rd District Court on Wednesday with multiple charges related to the beating last month of Jeffrey Ray Vigil, 24.
Vigil was found in a common area of the Oquirrh 1 housing unit at about 6 p.m. March 14. Vigil was treated at the prison before being transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he died the next day.
Investigators revealed in charging documents that Rivera is accused of stabbing Vigil multiple times and placing him in a chokehold. After Vigil lost consciousness, Rivera reportedly stomped and kicked him in the head dozens of times. Fernandez also is accused of assaulting and kicking Vigil in the head multiple times during the incident.
Rivera confirmed to police the attack was motivated by their gang affiliations. Both Rivera and Fernandez belong to the same gang, and Vigil apparently belonged to a rival gang.
Rivera has been charged with aggravated murder and two counts of possession of items prohibited inside correctional facilities. Fernandez is charged with murder and obstructing justice.
Rivera and Fernandez both have extensive criminal histories. Rivera has been convicted of multiple charges including attempted murder for a shooting in Clearfield, and for recent threats against a member of the Board of Pardons.
Fernandez has been convicted of multiple felonies including, but not limited to, kidnapping, assault on a prisoner, drug possession, attempted riot, and failing to stop at the command of a police officer.
Vigil had been incarcerated since June 2, 2015 on a parole violation. His criminal history included convictions for theft by receiving stolen property, failure to stop at the command of a police officer, possession of a forgery device and possession/use of a controlled substance.
