Inmate's throat slashed at Southern California state prison

Gregory Bull/AP

In this Jan. 30, 2012 photo, corrections officer Roy Limon guards inmates on their way to dinner at the Imperial Valley's Calipatria State Prison in Calipatria, Calif.

California corrections officials say an inmate at a state prison in Imperial County is being held in connection with the death of his cellmate.

Calipatria State Prison Lt. Jorge Santana said Tuesday that the 30-year-old victim was found with his throat slashed by a razor.

The victim and suspect were the only ones in their cell when the death was discovered early Monday.

The victim was serving a life term for robbery and possessing a weapon as a felon. The suspect, also age 30, is serving a 40-year sentence for second-degree murder.

Both are from Los Angeles County. Their names were not being released.

Santana said the men were housed in a sensitive-needs cell house, meaning they were not affiliated with a gang.

The Imperial County sheriff is investigating.