Soledad Prison Officals Convicted

The former Warden of California's Soledad prison and seven other prison officials have been found legally responsible for shooting deaths of three inmates by a prison guard.

An all-white jury in San Francisco found the eight officials liable for the deaths of black inmates W. L. Nolen, Alvin Miller, and Cleveland Edwards, who were killed five years ago by a prison guard during a fight in the "yard."

Attorney Melvin Belli, representing the families of the victims has asked for $1.2 million; the matter will be decided by the same jury.

The suit brought by the heirs of the three inmates marks the first time in the U.S. in which prison officials have been held legally culpable for the death of inmates.