WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Seven years after a fatal attack inside a local federal penitentiary, a federal jury has convicted 41-year-old inmate Rudy Mendoza of voluntary manslaughter following a five-day trial.
The conviction stems from an incident in July 2019 inside the Special Housing Unit (SHU) at the United States Penitentiary Canaan, located in Waymart. Federal prosecutors presented evidence showing that correctional officers discovered Mendoza's cellmate deceased inside their shared cell.
An autopsy concluded that the victim died from severe physical trauma, having suffered extensive injuries to his head and face.
Following the jury's verdict, Mendoza faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. A formal sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the court.
